downhill

American  

[doun-hil, doun-hil] / ˈdaʊnˈhɪl, ˈdaʊnˌhɪl /

adverb

1. down the slope of a hill; downward.

2. into a worse or inferior condition.

   The business has been going downhill.

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adjective

1. going or tending downward on or as on a hill.

2. free of problems or obstacles; easy.

   After the initial setbacks on the project, it was downhill all the way.

3. of or relating to skiing downhill.

noun

1. a timed ski race on a steep slope in which competitors take the most direct route to the finish line following a course with relatively few turns and attaining very high speeds.

downhill British  

/ ˈdaʊnˈhɪl /

adjective

1. going or sloping down

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adverb

1. towards the bottom of a hill; downwards

2. informal to decline; deteriorate

noun

1. the downward slope of a hill; descent

2. a competitive event in which skiers are timed in a downhill run

Etymology

Origin of downhill

First recorded in 1585–95; down ¹ + hill

Example Sentences

At the time, Ibrahimovic had an English bulldog who could handle going downhill, but struggled going the other way.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

Kopke, who came from Munich to retain his title in the men's downhill race, said the conditions were "optimal" this year.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

The resulting floods tore through the landscape, carving deep channels as the water rushed downhill.

From Science Daily • May 15, 2026

The first hole is putting only, immediately getting the children’s attention as the ball rolls 65 yards downhill toward the cup.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

The sun was bright, and the crisp line of shadow, downhill, made a visible border.

From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

Related Words

• falling