downward spiral

English

Noun

downward spiral (plural downward spirals)

1. (figurative) A series of thoughts or actions which feeds back into itself, causing a situation to become progressively worse.

   Antonyms: rebound, upward spiral

   Coordinate term: vicious circle

Usage notes

• A downward spiral is considered worse than a vicious circle, which is self-sustaining in its current state.

See also

• circle the drain
• death spiral
• tailspin