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.
Once common all over the continent, the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is on a slippery slope towards extinction. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 7 Jan. 2026 The time has come to stop this slippery slope to autocracy, restoring our democracy and reaffirming the core values upon which our country was built and persevered. Richard Cherwitz, Sun Sentinel, 6 Jan. 2026 This is a slippery slope for me. Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 11 Dec. 2025 Buying the duvet cover is a slippery slope to ordering the signature sheet set. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 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 13 Jan. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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