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tailspin

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noun tail·spin \-ˌspin\

Simple Definition of tailspin

  • : a condition in which an airplane is falling rapidly while turning around and around

  • : a state in which something quickly becomes much worse

Source: Merriam-Webster's Learner's Dictionary

Full Definition of tailspin

  1. 1 :  spin 2a

  2. 2 :  a mental or emotional letdown or collapse

  3. 3 :  a sustained and usually severe decline or downturn <stock prices in a tailspin>

See tailspin defined for English-language learners

See tailspin defined for kids



Examples of tailspin in a sentence

  1. Stock prices are in a tailspin.

  2. The team went into a tailspin and lost six straight games.



1917

First Known Use of tailspin

1917

tailspin Synonyms

Synonyms
crack-up, nervous breakdown, breakdown

TAILSPIN Defined for Kids

tailspin

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noun tail·spin \ˈtāl-ˌspin\

Definition of tailspin for Students

  1. :  a dive by an airplane turning in a circle



Learn More about tailspin

  1. Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tailspin Spanish Central: Translation of tailspin Nglish: Translation of tailspin for Spanish speakers

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Examples: tailspin in a sentence