downturn

American  

[doun-turn] / ˈdaʊnˌtɜrn /

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.

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downturn British  

/ ˈdaʊnˌtɜːn /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of downturn

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

Example Sentences

In 2022, household consumption was lifted by multiple tailwinds, including job growth coming out of the Covid-19 pandemic, vestiges of government stimulus in response to the pandemic-related downturn, and strong household balance sheets.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

Asian countries are already reeling from the downturn in energy supply.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

If that was the Fed’s goal, it could create a higher risk of deflation, which typically precedes an economic downturn.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Witnesses testified about the devastation caused by a nationwide downturn in television and film production that has hit California particularly hard.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

The prediction that the end of the war would send Hampton Roads into an economic downturn proved incorrect.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly

Related Words

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