downward spiral
noun
: a situation in which something continuously decreases or gets worse
Her life was in a downward spiral as she battled depression and addiction.
Examples of downward spiral in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
For Van Patten, Lucy’s downward spiral is particularly tragic this season.
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Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026
Pulling American schools out of this downward spiral will not be easy.
—Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
When Dana, who, like Virginia, had been successful in writing pleasant but undistinguished nothings—in her case, songs for Billy Rose’s revues—decided to try taking on more serious music by studying with Boulanger, Virginia entered a deep downward spiral.
—Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
The State of Illinois and City of Chicago’s finances have been in a continuous downward spiral because of their unbalanced budgets, spending, profligacy, and inability — especially from Chicago — to deal with the staggering unfunded pension liabilities.
—Joe Sanders, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downward spiral
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Antonia Blyth, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026
Pulling American schools out of this downward spiral will not be easy.
—Mary Ellen Klas, Twin Cities, 11 Jan. 2026
When Dana, who, like Virginia, had been successful in writing pleasant but undistinguished nothings—in her case, songs for Billy Rose’s revues—decided to try taking on more serious music by studying with Boulanger, Virginia entered a deep downward spiral.
—Literary Hub, 7 Jan. 2026
The State of Illinois and City of Chicago’s finances have been in a continuous downward spiral because of their unbalanced budgets, spending, profligacy, and inability — especially from Chicago — to deal with the staggering unfunded pension liabilities.
—Joe Sanders, Chicago Tribune, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downward spiral
Cite this Entry
“Downward spiral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downward%20spiral. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.
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