Synonyms

bear market

American

[bair mahr-kit] / ˈbɛər ˈmɑr kɪt /

noun

Stock Exchange.

a financial market characterized by investment prices that are falling or that are forecast to fall.

bear market Cultural

A market, especially a stock market, characterized by falling prices; the opposite of a bull market.

Etymology

Origin of bear market

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Defense stocks were down an average of 20% since the war began, entering bear market territory, after being up 77% in the prior 12 months.

From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026

The crypto-data provider Blockworks said that it acquired its rival Messari in a deal underlining the pressures faced by once-highflying startups in a deepening bear market.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

Gold futures entered a bear market at Wednesday’s settlement — meaning they’ve fallen 20% or more from their recent high back in March.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026

Gold stocks are in a bear market decline, as well.

From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026

Truth is, Mr. Welborn, I'm not posted on the bear market.

From David Lannarck, Midget An Adventure Story by Harney, George S.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023