downward spiral

American  

[doun-werd spahy-ruhl] / ˈdaʊn wərd ˈspaɪ rəl /

noun

1. a continuous, usually rapid negative trend, especially one with a repeated and worsening cycle of events or states.

   The more I doubted myself, the more confused I became, in a vicious downward spiral.

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Etymology

Origin of downward spiral

First recorded in 1870–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

downward spiral

And because perpetual futures allow leverage, skeptics warn they can fuel a downward spiral during periods of market stress.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 23, 2026

She said staff should be better trained in how they speak to new mothers "because one comment literally can send you into a downward spiral".

From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026

"It's one more episode in this whole downward spiral into which we've been dragged," she said.

From Barron's ● Apr. 13, 2026

Downtowns across the country need to find solutions, experts warn, as dark storefronts can lead to a downward spiral, with companies hesitant to lease office space in vacant areas.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 16, 2026

It was how bitter and cynical Mom had become, and Marcus’s downward spiral, and my not being able to get over Jesse and give Diego a fair chance.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson