bear market

American  

[bair mahr-kit] / ˈbɛər ˈmɑr kɪt /

noun

Stock Exchange.

1. a financial market characterized by investment prices that are falling or that are forecast to fall.

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bear market Cultural  

1. A market, especially a stock market, characterized by falling prices; the opposite of a bull market.

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Etymology

Origin of bear market

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Four years ago, when crypto prices plummeted and stocks fell into a bear market, the brokerage’s younger users stopped trading in droves.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

When interest rates rose and a bear market took shape in 2022, Robinhood’s business struggled—and its stock price followed suit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

The collapse in 2020 of internet stocks and then the market more broadly ranks as ‘the easiest bear market I’ve ever seen in my whole life.’

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

According to Krinsky, moves of this magnitude typically occur at the end of a bear market, or near the peak of a bull market.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

Truth is, Mr. Welborn, I'm not posted on the bear market.

From David Lannarck, Midget An Adventure Story by Harney, George S.