# W-shaped recession

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/w-shaped-recession
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An economic downturn where key indicators such as GDP and employment plummet sharply, briefly rebound, dip again, and then recover fully, forming a W pattern on a chart.

## Examples

- The economy is currently experiencing a W-shaped recession.
- Analysts worry that the recent market recovery is temporary and that we are actually entering a W-shaped recession.
- While some economists predicted a swift recovery, the volatile data suggests a W-shaped recession, characterized by a secondary decline after the initial rebound.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.