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

How does the downward spiral of the “doom loop,” as you imagine it, end?

From Barron's

How does the downward spiral of the “doom loop,” as you imagine it, end?

From Barron's

“Our response will be unflinching, united and proportional,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in Davos, warning about a “dangerous downward spiral” in the trans-Atlantic relationship.

From The Wall Street Journal

The currency tipped into a downward spiral.

From The Wall Street Journal

He went on to win five Premier League titles and the Champions League but United were at the start of their downward spiral when they were beaten by Olympiakos in Europe's top-tier competition in 2014.

From BBC