downswing

American  

[doun-swing] / ˈdaʊnˌswɪŋ /

noun

1. a downward swing, as of a golf club in driving a ball.

2. a downward trend or decrease, as of business or a nation's birth rate.

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downswing British  

/ ˈdaʊnˌswɪŋ /

noun

1. a statistical downward trend in business activity, the death rate, etc

2. golf the downward movement or line of a club when striking the ball

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Etymology

Origin of downswing

First recorded in 1895–1900; down ¹ + swing ¹

Example Sentences

More private-equity firms have sold or considered selling stakes to raise money over the past year, a trend driven in part by the ongoing industry downswing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

That means it’s hard to pinpoint seasonal trends versus shutdown fallout versus an actual downswing.

From Barron's • Nov. 19, 2025

“It could have been an honest mistake on their part,” Pigott said of the statistical downswing.

From Salon • May 23, 2025

A combination of good relationships, opportunity and Ireland being a minor meal ticket for famous pros on the downswing played a role in bringing one of the greats to the League of Ireland.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2023

Her own sword was not to hand, so she snatched Renly's from its scabbard and raised it to catch Em- mon's axe on the downswing.

From "A Clash of Kings" by George R.R. Martin