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

Both signings have struggled and Liverpool's form has nosedived, leaving them 12th in the league.

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The frustration comes not from losing to an excellent Argentina side, but from seeing a team performing incredibly well – as Scotland did to carve out that 21-0 lead – only to nosedive beyond recognition.

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"Profits have nosedived as shoppers were unable to buy everything they wanted during a catastrophic summer for the retailer."

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Incumbent Sam Konstas' form has nosedived and he was again out cheaply in the Sheffield Shield on Thursday, bowled for 10.

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But from 294-4, India's innings nosedived as they lost their last six wickets for just 36 runs, bowled out in 48.5 overs, a collapse that cost them dearly.

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