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
This leads to a destructive downward spiral of their lives and a devastating ending that might leave you in a foul mood and wanting to axe your streaming services....
—
Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 Apr. 2025
The last 18 years have seen the lowest sea ice levels on record, a downward spiral that will continue, scientists say.
—Laura Paddison, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
Following one day of respite, the U.S. stock market returned to its downward spiral Thursday amid ongoing concerns tied to President Donald Trump‘s proposed tariffs.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
About 75,000 federal workers accepted the first buyout offer, but some economists questioned how many would take it this time after President Donald Trump sent world markets into a downward spiral and raised fears of a recession with his announcement of sweeping new tariffs last week.
—Alexandra Alper and Nathan Layne, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downward spiral
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Jeff Spry, Space.com, 16 Apr. 2025
The last 18 years have seen the lowest sea ice levels on record, a downward spiral that will continue, scientists say.
—Laura Paddison, CNN, 12 Mar. 2025
Following one day of respite, the U.S. stock market returned to its downward spiral Thursday amid ongoing concerns tied to President Donald Trump‘s proposed tariffs.
—Jennifer Maas, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
About 75,000 federal workers accepted the first buyout offer, but some economists questioned how many would take it this time after President Donald Trump sent world markets into a downward spiral and raised fears of a recession with his announcement of sweeping new tariffs last week.
—Alexandra Alper and Nathan Layne, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2025
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 3 May. 2025.
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