tailspin

[ teyl-spin ]

noun

1. spin ( def 23 ).
2. a sudden and helpless collapse into failure, confusion, or the like.

verb (used without object)

, tail·spinned, tail·spin·ning.

1. to take or experience a sudden and dramatic downturn:

   After the mill closes, the local economy may tailspin.

tailspin

/ ˈteɪlˌspɪn /

noun

1. aeronautics another name for spin
2. informal.
   a state of confusion or panic

Word History and Origins

Origin of tailspin¹

First recorded in 1910–15; tail ¹ + spin

Idioms and Phrases

see go into a tailspin .

Example Sentences

And suddenly things have started to look very dicey there "where women have outpaced men by 13 points in the early vote which has sent the campaign into a tailspin during the past two days."

From Salon

Those people know we’re counting on their students to steer our collective ship out of its tailspin, commanding an emotional investment in these four episodes.

From Salon

When coach and quarterback split up, Tom Brady won Round 1 by guiding Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl victory while Bill Belichick was unable to pull New England out of a tailspin.

From Los Angeles Times

The disappearance of the little girl sends Maddie into an existential tailspin.

From Los Angeles Times

The plan, announced last week, is the boldest move yet by Beijing to stop the tailspin of a housing crisis that threatens one of the world’s biggest economies.

From New York Times

Related Words

• plunge
• slide