expression

soft landing

slowing an economy without causing a recession

In From the Business Pages

In more detail

1. (noun) a landing of an aircraft or spacecraft that is smooth and controlled, without damage

2. (noun) (in economics) a situation where economic growth slows down without causing a recession or financial crisis

Examples

1. The pilot achieved a soft landing despite the strong winds.
2. Economists hope for a soft landing as interest rates rise to control inflation.

How to use soft landing

Soft landing has two distinct contexts: aerospace (describing a smooth, controlled landing of aircraft or spacecraft) and economics (describing a controlled slowdown in economic growth that avoids recession). In economics, the term reflects policymakers' goal of reducing inflation or growth rates without triggering unemployment or market collapse. The phrase is often used prospectively, as in hopes or predictions about economic outcomes.

Common phrases

achieve a soft landing
engineer a soft landing
hope for a soft landing
soft landing scenario
soft landing in the economy
pull off a soft landing

Synonyms

controlled descent · gentle touchdown · smooth arrival · economic slowdown without recession · managed deceleration

Opposites

crash · hard landing · recession

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse soft landing with a minor or insignificant downturn; a soft landing can still involve substantial slowdown in growth—the key is avoiding a full recession or crisis.

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