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

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

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

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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.

Read more on Salon