trend
n. countablen. a general direction in which something is changing or developing. You use this to talk about things like fashion, prices, or how people behave over time.
n. a general direction in which something is developing or changing. Often used in statistical or sociological contexts to describe a pattern of gradual change.
There is a growing trend toward working from home.
Economists are currently analyzing the downward trend in consumer spending to predict next year's market growth.
While short-term fluctuations are common in the stock market, the long-term trend suggests a steady recovery for the technology sector over the next decade.
From Middle English trenden (“to roll about, turn, revolve”), from Old English trendan (“to roll about, turn, revolve”), from Proto-West Germanic trandijan (“to turn, roll, revolve”), apparently derived from a strong verb Proto-West Germanic trindan. Cognate with Dutch trent (“circumference”). Akin to Old English trinde (“ball”), Old English tryndel (“circle, ring”). More at trindle, trundle.
Compare German trennen (“to separate”).
Commonly used with the prepositions 'in' or 'toward' to indicate the subject or direction of change.