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

That creates such a difficult downward spiral for a defence.

From BBC

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

Adding businesses to the streets while improving public safety would help halt the “downward spiral and turn it into more of a virtuous cycle,” said Nella McOsker, president of the association.

From Los Angeles Times

“If oil prices stay high or continue to climb, there is a risk of a downward spiral, in which a worsening trade deficit leads to a weaker yen, which then pushes import prices even higher,” said Daiwa Securities economist Kenji Yamamoto.

From The Wall Street Journal

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