slump

1 of 2

verb

ˈsləmp 

slumped; slumping; slumps

intransitive verb

1

a

: to fall or sink suddenly

b

: to drop or slide down suddenly : collapse

2

: to assume a drooping posture or carriage : slouch

3

: to go into a slump

sales slumped

slump

2 of 2

noun

1

a

: a marked or sustained decline especially in economic activity or prices

b

: a period of poor or losing play by a team or individual

2

: a downward slide of a mass of rock or land

Synonyms of slump

Noun

• recession

Examples of slump in a Sentence

Verb

She fainted and slumped to the floor.

Exhausted, he slumped down into the chair.

His shoulders slumped forward in disappointment.

Real estate prices slumped during the recession.

Noun

The economy's been in a slump since last year.

They've been in a slump ever since they traded their best player.

He's in a batting slump.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Warships, mammoth bones and parts of ancient constructions all have emerged from the slumping waters of the Danube, the Rhine and other rivers in the scorching drought that has also disrupted trade, power and water supplies. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

China faced deepening economic headwinds in July, state data showed, as consumer spending and investment slumped further. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 17 Aug. 2026

Noun

In March, Fiddelke unveiled a $6 billion plan to reverse Target's sales slump and to reclaim the retailer's reputation as a place to go for affordable yet stylish apparel and home goods. — CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

The margin leaves little room for an offensive slump, particularly for a team that has seen one-quarter of its games decided by a single run. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Verb

probably imitative

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for slump

• bump
• chump
• clump
• crump
• dump
• gump
• hump
• jump
• lump
• plump
• pump
• rump

Kids Definition

slump

1 of 2 verb

ˈsləmp 

1

: to drop or slide down suddenly : collapse

2

: to assume a stooped posture : slouch

3

: to fall off sharply

slump

2 of 2 noun

: a marked or continued reduction especially in economic activity or prices