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
The violent attack marked a tragic and final chapter in Griffin’s downward spiral following his mother’s death in 2021.
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Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
Both of those events exacerbate Robby’s unexamined childhood traumas, and in season two, all of it should come together in a downward spiral extending across the whole shift.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
For the Clippers, the season went into a downward spiral.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
Although widely recognized as perhaps the greatest golfer of all time, Woods, 50, has been in a downward spiral personally and professionally for years.
—Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downward spiral
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Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
Both of those events exacerbate Robby’s unexamined childhood traumas, and in season two, all of it should come together in a downward spiral extending across the whole shift.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 17 Apr. 2026
For the Clippers, the season went into a downward spiral.
—Janis Carr, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
Although widely recognized as perhaps the greatest golfer of all time, Woods, 50, has been in a downward spiral personally and professionally for years.
—Senior Editor, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 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 7 May. 2026.
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