roller-coaster

¹ American  

[roh-ler-koh-ster, roh-li-] / ˈroʊ lərˌkoʊ stər, ˈroʊ lɪ- /

verb (used without object)

1. to go up and down like a roller coaster; rise and fall.

   a narrow road roller-coastering around the mountain; a light boat roller-coastering over the waves.

2. to experience a period of prosperity, happiness, security, or the like, followed by a contrasting period of economic depression, despair, or the like.

   The economy was roller-coastering throughout most of the decade.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a roller coaster.

2. resembling the progress of a ride on a roller coaster in sudden extreme changeableness.

roller coaster ² American  

noun

1. a small gravity railroad, especially in an amusement park, having a train with open cars that moves along a high, sharply winding trestle built with steep inclines that produce sudden, speedy plunges for thrill-seeking passengers.

2. a car or train of cars for such a railroad.

3. any phenomenon, period, or experience of persistent or violent ups and downs, as one fluctuating between prosperity and recession or elation and despair.

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roller coaster British  

noun

1. another term for big dipper

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Etymology

Origin of roller-coaster¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Origin of roller coaster¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

“It’s the natural roller coaster of any product that does well,” said veteran audiobook narrator Rich Miller.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s still unsettling to hear the bear move around underneath the house even though it’s been a month, Johnson said, calling the saga a “roller coaster.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Queer Eye” was such a roller coaster for all you guys but what are your reflections now that it is behind you?

From Los Angeles Times

Qualified interpreter Sarah Garvey said the profession can be an "emotional roller coaster".

From BBC

Some employees have been riding roller coasters of emotions.

From The Wall Street Journal