nosedive

American  

[nohz-dahyv] / ˈnoʊzˌdaɪv /

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.

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verb (used without object)

nosedived, nosedove, nosedived, nosediving

1. to go into a nosedive.

   a warning that prices might nosedive.

Etymology

Origin of nosedive

First recorded in 1910–15; nose + dive

Example Sentences

The city repaired 310 miles of road in fiscal year 2025, which ended in June — a nosedive from the 850 miles it paved a decade before in 2015, according to Crosstown.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

While Wilson’s career began to nosedive as he played on an expensive contract, Seattle was loading up on the kind of assets that put a team in position to succeed for years.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Elite LIV Golf players have seen their world rankings nosedive, complicating their ability to qualify for golf's four major championships, whose fields are largely determined by rankings.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

The number of new jobs created this year has taken a nosedive, and the unemployment rate has crept up to a four-year high of 4.6%.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 23, 2025

The weather has taken a nosedive, and all the tulips and irises that love the spring warmth are now probably huddling together, trying to keep warm.

From "Blended" by Sharon M. Draper