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.

---

Etymology

Origin of downward spiral

First recorded in 1870–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

downward spiral

Schools cut programs and staff, sometimes creating a downward spiral.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 26, 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

Although widely recognized as perhaps the greatest golfer of all time, Woods, 50, has been in a downward spiral personally and professionally for years.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 8, 2026

These pressures can trigger what scientists call an "extinction vortex," a downward spiral in which shrinking populations and worsening genetic health reinforce each other and push species closer to extinction.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 6, 2026

This brought on a downward spiral of mental instability.

From "Lincoln's Last Days: The Shocking Assassination that Changed America Forever" by Bill O'Reilly