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

Another set of figures on Tuesday showed that home prices continued their downward spiral in May, while property investment plunged in the first five months of the year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026

As a final insult in this downward spiral, this spring Moreno amazingly told the Orange County Register that for his fan base, winning wasn’t their priority.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 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

That creates such a difficult downward spiral for a defence.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

My downward spiral is interrupted by Shandall Norwood.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen