# downturn

/ˈdaʊnˌtɝn/ (US) · /dˈaʊntɜːn/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/downturn
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a period when a business or an economy becomes less successful. It usually means there is less money, fewer jobs, or lower sales than before.

For teachers: a decline in economic, business, or other activity from a previously higher level. Often used to describe cyclical shifts in the market or industry performance.

## Examples

- The company struggled during the recent economic downturn.
- Economists are worried that the current downturn in the housing market might last for several years.
- While the global downturn initially hit the manufacturing sector hardest, the subsequent reduction in consumer spending eventually rippled through the entire service economy.

## Usage notes

- Commonly paired with 'in' to specify the affected area (e.g., 'a downturn in sales').

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