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

Latin immigrant representation on television continues on a downward spiral, a new study revealed. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 17 June 2026

While the baby boomer generation rode waves of economic growth, particularly in the United States, everyone else must now grapple with decline as the economy and environment continue their downward spiral. — Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 12 June 2026

The second half explores the downward spiral and the eventual end of a relationship. — Angie Martoccio, Rolling Stone, 12 June 2026

New York reported that some of her former aides—who have left Mace’s office and campaign at a staggering rate—trace her downward spiral to February of 2025. — Moira Donegan, New Yorker, 9 June 2026

Rhymes for downward spiral

• antiviral
• retroviral
• adenoviral
• antiretroviral
• chiral
• viral