downward spiral

[doun-werd spahy-ruhl]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of downward spiral¹

First recorded in 1870–80

Example Sentences

"She went into a massive downward spiral. I tried to get her involved in many different support networks, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, other avenues, but they didn't really work."

From BBC

Past performances included a rendition of “Closer,” NIN’s second single off of its lauded sophomore album, “The Downward Spiral,” released in 1994.

From Los Angeles Times

Then came “Two and a Half Men,” and a black hole of downward spiral exhaustively covered in the media.

From Salon

England have been battling a downward spiral with their white-ball teams since their failed 2023 World Cup defence in India.

From BBC

Humanity, he warned, was then locked in a downward spiral into a moral abyss reminiscent of a Greek tragedy.

From Salon