downward spiral

[ doun-werd spahy-ruhl ]

noun

1. a continuous, usually rapid negative trend, especially one with a repeated and worsening cycle of events or states:

   The more I doubted myself, the more confused I became, in a vicious downward spiral.

Word History and Origins

Origin of downward spiral¹

First recorded in 1870–80

Example Sentences

This downward spiral involving local power politics was obvious to the Americans in the valley.

From The Daily Beast

To his fellow survivors and to the audience, this delusion indicates another slip on a downward spiral.

From The Daily Beast

Even a modest hit from sanctions or pullback by foreign investors will only add to that downward spiral.

From The Daily Beast

Once caught in a downward spiral of economic blight and crime, the city was in danger of being lost.

From The Daily Beast

Then Lohan was cast—at the height of media interest in her downward spiral.

From The Daily Beast

He saw it: the downward spiral which could only lead to death for all of us in the last days.

From Project Gutenberg