noun

downturn

/ˈdaʊntɜːrn/ · say it: DOWN·turn

a decline in economic or business activity

In From the Business Pages

In more detail

1. (noun) a decrease in the amount of business activity or economic growth in a country or region

2. (noun) a downward trend or decline in something

Examples

1. The economic downturn affected many businesses and caused job losses.
2. There has been a downturn in sales this quarter.

How to use downturn

Downturn refers to a significant, measurable decline in economic activity, business performance, or other metrics, often used in formal business and economic contexts. It is more neutral and less emotionally charged than 'crisis' or 'collapse,' and suggests a temporary or cyclical decline rather than permanent failure. The term is commonly used by economists, business analysts, and in news media.

Common phrases

economic downturn
market downturn
sharp downturn
severe downturn
downturn in sales
weather the downturn

Synonyms

decline · downturn · recession · slump · contraction

Opposites

upturn · boom · growth

Word family

down (adverb) · turn (noun/verb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'downturn' for small or minor declines when 'decrease' or 'drop' would be more appropriate; downturn implies a more substantial, noticeable decline.

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