tailspin

noun

tail·​spin ˈtāl-ˌspin 

1

: spin sense 2a

2

: a mental or emotional letdown or collapse

3

: a sustained and usually severe decline or downturn

stock prices in a tailspin

Synonyms of tailspin

• breakdown

Examples of tailspin in a Sentence

Stock prices are in a tailspin.

The team went into a tailspin and lost six straight games.

Recent Examples on the Web

His distance from Henry was painfully emphasized when his son got in trouble for bullying another classmate, and the idea of Michelle (Andrea Anders) getting engaged to someone else sent him into a tailspin. — Rachel Labonte, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Aug. 2026

But a trip to New York City sent Riley back into a tailspin, an alarming and frustrating three games at the plate for the 31-year-old. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 31 July 2026

Of course, the collection sold out within minutes of dropping, sending shoppers into a tailspin. — Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 17 July 2026

If the roster is depleted any further by trades or injuries, the Angels could go into a tailspin and lose 100 games for the first time in franchise history. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 15 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tailspin

• akin
• auxin
• buckskin
• chagrin
• crankpin
• deerskin
• foreskin
• fuchsin
• herein
• kingpin
• linchpin
• pigskin

Kids Definition

tailspin

noun

tail·​spin ˈtā(ə)l-ˌspin 

: spin entry 2 sense 3