downward spiral
noun
: a situation in which something continuously decreases or gets worse
Her life was in a downward spiral as she battled depression and addiction.
Examples of downward spiral in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The Indianapolis Colts are looking to rebound from a 2025 season that started with so much promise but ended in a familiar downward spiral of disappointment.
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James Boyd, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Major events during Scott’s second term have included the devastating March 31, 2023, tornado, the death of longtime city manager Bruce Moore and a downward spiral at the Little Rock housing authority.
—Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 8 May 2026
My husband has been on a downward spiral for the last five years.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
The violent attack marked a tragic and final chapter in Griffin’s downward spiral following his mother’s death in 2021.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for downward spiral
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James Boyd, New York Times, 15 May 2026
Major events during Scott’s second term have included the devastating March 31, 2023, tornado, the death of longtime city manager Bruce Moore and a downward spiral at the Little Rock housing authority.
—Joseph Flaherty, Arkansas Online, 8 May 2026
My husband has been on a downward spiral for the last five years.
—R. Eric Thomas, Denver Post, 8 May 2026
The violent attack marked a tragic and final chapter in Griffin’s downward spiral following his mother’s death in 2021.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for downward spiral
Cite this Entry
“Downward spiral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downward%20spiral. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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