downturn

[doun-turn]

noun

1. an act or instance of turning down or the state of being turned down.

   the downturn of a lower lip in a permanent pout.

2. a turn or trend downward; decrease or decline.

   The new year brought a downturn in the cost of living.

downturn

/ ˈdaʊnˌtɜːn /

noun

1. a drop or reduction in the success of a business or economy

Word History and Origins

Origin of downturn¹

First recorded in 1925–30; noun use of verb phrase turn down

Example Sentences

That natural attrition is slowing because more workers, hamstrung by declining job openings and spooked by fears of an economic downturn, are staying put.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Private-equity realizations—the money made from investment sales—increased to 13.2 billion euros as of the end of June from 11 billion euros a year earlier as exit activity rebounds following a period of downturn.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Like many businesses in New Caledonia, her real-estate company has struggled in the aftermath of the pandemic, compounded by a deep downturn in the nickel-mining industry, a big employer in the territory.

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Even if a downturn does come to pass, that likely won’t happen for some time to come, given the high stakes and fat wallets involved.

Read more on Barron's

Gold is seen as a so-called safe haven investment, which is expected to retain or increase its value in times of market turbulence or economic downturns.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• decline 
• deterioration 
• dip 
• plunge 
• slide 
• slump