downcycle

American  

[doun-sahy-kuhl] / ˈdaʊnˌsaɪ kəl /

noun

1. Economics. a period or cycle during which business activity or profitability is at a low point.

   Energy companies are facing increased cost pressure to get through the current market downcycle.

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verb (used with object)

1. to process (used goods or waste material) in order to produce something of lesser quality because the original material cannot be recycled into something of the same or better quality.

   The plastic bottles can't be reused, but some companies downcycle them into bags.

Etymology

Origin of downcycle

First recorded in 1975–80; down ¹ + cycle

Example Sentences

Looking back, Micron’s sales declined 49% and the company lost $5.34 a share in fiscal 2023, during the most recent downcycle for the computer memory and storage industry.

From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026

Long-term supply agreements are seen as favorable for memory producers, mitigating downcycle risk.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

New long-term supply agreements are seen as highly favorable for memory producers, mitigating future downcycle risk.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Analog chips, which are used in automobiles, appliances and other consumer electronics, are staging a comeback after a multiyear downcycle.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 31, 2026

Memory chip buyers such as smartphone and PC makers are holding off on new purchases and using up existing inventory, leading to lower shipments and ushering in an industry downcycle.

From Reuters • Oct. 7, 2022