tailspin

American  

[teyl-spin] / ˈteɪlˌspɪn /

noun

1. spin.

2. a sudden and helpless collapse into failure, confusion, or the like.

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verb (used without object)

tailspinned, tailspinning

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

   After the mill closes, the local economy may tailspin.

tailspin British  

/ ˈteɪlˌspɪn /

noun

1. aeronautics another name for spin

2. informal a state of confusion or panic

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tailspin Idioms  

1. see go into a tailspin.

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Etymology

Origin of tailspin

First recorded in 1910–15; tail ¹ + spin

Example Sentences

The defense sector’s tailspin comes against the backdrop of gains heading into the conflict.

From MarketWatch

The conflict has mushroomed to draw in nations around the Middle East, sending energy markets into a tailspin and threatening to torpedo the global economy.

From Barron's

That gummed up credit markets, tanked the value of money-market funds, and sent global stock markets into a tailspin.

From Barron's

That was our headline on June 13, 2025, the first of the 12 days of war that sent Iran’s regime into a tailspin.

From The Wall Street Journal

This seemed unlikely on April’s “Liberation Day,” when new tariffs sent markets into a tailspin.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• plunge
• slide