as in recessions
a period of decreased economic activity
the stock market is in a bit of a slump, but analysts expect things to pick up in the next fiscal quarter
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Recent Examples of slumps
Mia Sato, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2026
Teams go through shooting slumps in college basketball.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 26 Feb. 2026
While Scheffler would prefer to come out of the gates in the future, his first-round slumps are not a huge cause for concern for him.
—Bob Buttitta, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026
Last year, in particular, there were a pair of extended slumps that largely negated the positives for Swanson and kept him from having a strong season.
—Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
The Cubs need that version more frequently without such significant slumps in between.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
How was a young vet like Josh Jung to pull himself out of an offensive quagmire if everybody else was too focused on their own slumps and routines?
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026
Midseason slumps are inevitable during the marathon of an NHL regular season.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Just one week ago, Miami Heat center and captain Bam Adebayo was in the middle of one of the worst offensive slumps of his NBA career.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 2026
Noun
Players move around, get injured, and go through slumps.
—Mia Sato, The Verge, 1 Mar. 2026
Teams go through shooting slumps in college basketball.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 26 Feb. 2026
While Scheffler would prefer to come out of the gates in the future, his first-round slumps are not a huge cause for concern for him.
—Bob Buttitta, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026
Last year, in particular, there were a pair of extended slumps that largely negated the positives for Swanson and kept him from having a strong season.
—Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
The Cubs need that version more frequently without such significant slumps in between.
—Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
How was a young vet like Josh Jung to pull himself out of an offensive quagmire if everybody else was too focused on their own slumps and routines?
—Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026
Midseason slumps are inevitable during the marathon of an NHL regular season.
—Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 7 Feb. 2026
Just one week ago, Miami Heat center and captain Bam Adebayo was in the middle of one of the worst offensive slumps of his NBA career.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 19 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slumps
Noun
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This includes both 2000 and 2007, when bubbles bursting coincided with painful recessions.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
20 Feb. 2026
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The United States is adept enough at handling the labor-market damage caused by recessions.—
Annie Lowrey,
The Atlantic,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The effortlessly cool shape sits low on the hips, with a shorter inseam that slouches through a subtle, flattering drape.—
Kristina Rutkowski,
Footwear News,
22 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But rival Target reported earlier this week another quarterly decline in profits and sales during the critical holiday period as the discounter struggles with its own merchandising missteps and confronts a consumer who is focusing more on essentials.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2026
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In December, Wisconsin Watch reported on an Appleton technical charter school that struggles to manage high program costs and secure donations to stay afloat.—
Miranda Dunlap,
jsonline.com,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Their constant companion in the campaign is the Amazona 180 bag that made its debut on the Loewe runway last October, a slouchy, one-handle style that sags open when left unzipped.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
16 Feb. 2026
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Unlike your average and typical pillow that sags over time, this one has hotel-like appeal because of its precise border for a structured, refined look.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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If immunity wanes over time — which appears to occur with mumps to some extent — individuals vaccinated in early childhood may have reduced protection as young adults.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
5 Mar. 2026
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Interest in the president's addresses then wanes over time.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Too thick of a mascara coat, and suddenly my gaze droops.—
Conçetta Ciarlo,
Vogue,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The cream should hold a soft, semi-sturdy peak that gently droops at the tip without collapsing entirely.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This year’s team is an exceptional group of talented players, but their defense fouls too much, Smith dribbles too much and our shooting percentage often tanks.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
17 Feb. 2026
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This setback tanks the trade value the Mavericks had hoped to restore following his return from a left calf strain that kept him out of 14 games this season.—
Mike Curtis,
Dallas Morning News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Dolci declines to speculate on root causes, but is at pains to note that Imax has proven more resilient than the broader market, holding largely flat while the industry overall has taken a dip.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2026
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The chain, known for its soups, salads and sandwiches, is in the early stages of a turnaround, with a focus on reinvesting in its business and reversing years of traffic declines.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slumps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slumps. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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