spiral
n. countablen. a shape that curves around a center point while moving further away. It also describes a situation that keeps getting worse and feels out of control.
n. a curve that winds around a central point while continuously increasing its distance from it. Figuratively, a progressive and often rapid increase or decrease in prices, emotions, or social conditions that appears self-sustaining.
The stairs in the old tower form a tight spiral.
The team fell into a downward spiral of losses after their star player was injured in the first game.
Economists warned that without immediate intervention, the country could face an inflationary spiral where rising costs and wage demands feed into one another indefinitely.
From Middle French spirale, from Medieval Latin spiralis, from Latin spīra, from Ancient Greek σπεῖρα (speîra, “wreath, coil, twist”).
Often used with the adjectives 'upward' or 'downward' to describe trends.