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downturn

American  
[doun-turn] / ˈdaʊnˌtɜrn /

noun

  1. an act or instance of turning down or the state of being turned down.

    the downturn of a lower lip in a permanent pout.

  2. a turn or trend downward; decrease or decline.

    The new year brought a downturn in the cost of living.


downturn British  
/ ˈdaʊnˌtɜːn /

noun

  1. a drop or reduction in the success of a business or economy

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of downturn

First recorded in 1925–30; noun use of verb phrase turn down

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“But they haven’t had to manage through a downturn, and that kind of experience tests a firm.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Michael Dimler, senior vice president of private corporate credit at Morningstar DBRS, attributed the stress to a normal credit downturn where performance of loans weakens while newer investors seek to get their money back.

From The Wall Street Journal

Economists warn a zero percent inflation target risks deflation, reduces monetary policy flexibility, and could lead to economic downturns.

From Barron's

The economy’s momentum could help insulate it from a downturn, Schmid argued.

From The Wall Street Journal

“If tensions in Iran become prolonged, there will be growing fears of both domestic inflationary pressures and a potential economic downturn.”

From The Wall Street Journal