slippery slope

noun

: a course of action that seems to lead inevitably from one action or result to another with unintended consequences

Examples of slippery slope in a Sentence

His behavior will lead him down a slippery slope to ruin.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And that creates a slippery slope in our -- in our justice system. ABC News, 21 Sep. 2025 But Kimmel’s suspension and the government’s role in it could serve as a flashpoint that appears to unite Democrats, free speech advocates and even some Republicans in their concerns about a slippery slope. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 20 Sep. 2025 Individualized celebration in the game has always been a slippery slope, one that has led to loogies on live broadcasts. Don Yaeger, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 No doubt, these groups recognize the slippery slope that would open up if the government can simply deny constitutional rights to individuals based on broad and unjustified discrimination based on identity. The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for slippery slope

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slippery slope was in 1951

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Cite this Entry

“Slippery slope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slippery%20slope. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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