downward spiral

[ doun-werd spahy-ruhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a continuous, usually rapid negative trend, especially one with a repeated and worsening cycle of events or states:
The more I doubted myself, the more confused I became, in a vicious downward spiral.

First recorded in 1870–80

This downward spiral involving local power politics was obvious to the Americans in the valley.

To his fellow survivors and to the audience, this delusion indicates another slip on a downward spiral.

Even a modest hit from sanctions or pullback by foreign investors will only add to that downward spiral.

Once caught in a downward spiral of economic blight and crime, the city was in danger of being lost.

Then Lohan was cast—at the height of media interest in her downward spiral.

He saw it: the downward spiral which could only lead to death for all of us in the last days.

April 24, 2024gallimaufry

[gal-uh-maw-free ]

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