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.

---

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

The deal comes during a “brutal downcycle” in oil and gas, said Tom Ellacott, a researcher at consultants Wood Mackenzie.

From Reuters

“While this downcycle is set to hurt all aerospace suppliers, Rolls looks particularly vulnerable in our view. This is a company that was not in the best of financing shape before this downcycle hit,” he said.

From Reuters

“The market environment remains challenging, cyclical pressures are persisting, and we continue to steer our course through what feels like the bottom of an ordinary semi downcycle,” Ploss told analysts on a conference call.

From Reuters

How it comes out of the downcycle — more automation? fewer jobs here compared to other sites? — raises big questions.

From Seattle Times

But the industry is battling its worst downcycle in 30 years as slowing global trade and a glut of shipping capacity have pushed freight rates to levels that barely cover fuel costs.

From The Wall Street Journal