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

She said staff should be better trained in how they speak to new mothers "because one comment literally can send you into a downward spiral".

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

“San Francisco’s economy cannot credibly be described as being in a downward spiral at the moment,” the office wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 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

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