tailspin

American  

[teyl-spin] / ˈteɪlˌspɪn /

noun

1. spin.

2. a sudden and helpless collapse into failure, confusion, or the like.

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verb (used without object)

tailspinned, tailspinning

1. to take or experience a sudden and dramatic downturn.

   After the mill closes, the local economy may tailspin.

tailspin British  

/ ˈteɪlˌspɪn /

noun

1. aeronautics another name for spin

2. informal a state of confusion or panic

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tailspin Idioms  

1. see go into a tailspin.

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Etymology

Origin of tailspin

First recorded in 1910–15; tail ¹ + spin

Example Sentences

The conflict has mushroomed to draw in nations around the Middle East, sending energy markets into a tailspin and threatening to torpedo the global economy.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

With crypto becoming easier to buy than ever, and Strategy’s stock in a tailspin, that spell now appears to be breaking as the market questions whether this middleman deserves to exist at all.

From Slate • Feb. 3, 2026

The Lakers continued their tailspin Thursday, falling into a 26-point hole they were unable to climb completely out of in a 112-104 loss to the Clippers, losing for the sixth time in nine games.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2026

The obscure bank collapse that sent Iran into a tailspin.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 14, 2026

While the German economy was in a tailspin toward disaster, the Roaring Twenties were in full swing in America.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple

Related Words

• plunge
• slide