Synonyms of tailspin

tailspin

noun

ˈtāl-ˌspin 

as in breakdown

a mental or nervous collapse

the pressures of his job nearly caused him to go into a tailspin

Synonyms & Similar Words

• breakdown
• nervous breakdown
• disturbance
• crack-up
• anxiety
• meltdown
• freak-out
• excitability
• nervousness
• agitation
• disquiet
• perturbation
• alarm
• frazzle
• apprehension
• basket case
• discomposure

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• composure
• calmness
• serenity
• coolness
• tranquility
• aplomb
• placidity
• imperturbability
• tranquilness
• sereneness
• self-possession

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tailspin

That is, until a conversation about having children throws their relationship into a tailspin. — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 28 May 2026

As injuries to their pitching staff pile up and players desperately try to pull themselves out of a tailspin, the Chicago Cubs sent Jordan Wicks out to the mound Tuesday night. — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 27 May 2026

These households and individuals are employed, earn above the poverty level, and may still be one unexpected expense away from a financial tailspin. — Daisy Franklin, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2026

Doncic trade still reverberating as Mavs hit reset Kidd's tenure took a sharp downturn after the Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers following their NBA Finals run, a franchise‑altering move that sent the organization into a tailspin. — Doug Myers, CBS News, 20 May 2026