nosedive

[nohz-dahyv]

noun

1. a plunge of an aircraft with the forward part pointing downward.

2. a sudden sharp drop or rapid decline.

   a time when market values were in a nosedive.

verb (used without object)

nosedived, nosedove, nosedived, nosediving. 

1. to go into a nosedive.

   a warning that prices might nosedive.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nosedive¹

First recorded in 1910–15; nose + dive

Example Sentences

"As the weeks went on the results began to take a bit of a nosedive," Alexander says.

From BBC

India, which avoids formal alliances and has seen ties with Pakistan - a key US partner - nosedive again, will need to recalibrate.

From BBC

In the United States, rates started to take a sharper nosedive after the Great Recession, driven in part by college-educated women who delayed having children.

From Salon

Shares in the company nosedived by around 7% following the announcement.

From BBC

He says he was barely 30 feet away when the jet nosedived into the building.

From BBC