Spiral downwards
verb
To continuously get worse or decline.
His grades started to spiral downwards after he began skipping school.
Often appears as...
- economy spiral downwards
- relationship spiral downwards
verb
To move in a downward spiral path.
The airplane began to spiral downwards out of control.
Often appears as...
- aircraft spiral downwards
- stairs spiral downwards
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To continuously get worse or decline.
His grades started to spiral downwards after he began skipping school.
Often appears as...
- economy spiral downwards
- relationship spiral downwards
verb
To move in a downward spiral path.
The airplane began to spiral downwards out of control.
Often appears as...
- aircraft spiral downwards
- stairs spiral downwards
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
Often used to describe worsening situations metaphorically, not literal falling.
Their business partnership began to spiral downwards after the disagreement.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Weight
Can imply emotional consequences, like disappointment or hopelessness.
Her spirits spiraled downwards when she heard the sad news.
Pro Tip 3/3Visual Imagery
Suggests a mental image of something falling or failing rapidly.
As rumors spread, the celebrity's reputation began to spiral downwards.
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