downturn

noun

down·​turn ˈdau̇n-ˌtərn 

: a downward turn especially toward a decline in business and economic activity

Examples of downturn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lane and Milesi-Ferretti found that countries with pre-crisis external deficits furthest beyond what economic fundamentals could explain tended to suffer the deepest downturns afterward. —James Broughel, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026

Goodspeed is equally skeptical of the notion that governments can juice expansions to offset future downturns. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 May 2026

Advocates point to insufficient oversight and inadequate funding as systemic problems, while increased pet surrenders during economic downturns strain already overwhelmed rescues and shelters. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026

Flack’s career took a commercial downturn after the difficult gestation of Feel Like Makin’ Love, but the album is uncompromising and inspired. —Al Shipley, SPIN, 8 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for downturn

• adjourn
• concern
• decern
• discern
• extern
• heartburn
• interne
• nocturne
• return
• sunburn
• unworn
• upturn