downturn

noun

down·​turn ˈdau̇n-ˌtərn How to pronounce downturn (audio)
Synonyms of downturnnext
: a downward turn especially toward a decline in business and economic activity

Examples of downturn in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While investors get paid, the practice of private equity sponsors adding more debt to companies — known as dividend recapitalizations — risks weakening their ability to invest or weather future downturns in trading. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 The downturn on Friday came amid concern about whether the AI company Anthropic, soon set to go public, will be able to maintain its revenue momentum, Crisafulli said in a note to investors. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 Colorado continues to face an increase in overdose deaths while other states have seen a downturn. — Joshua Barocas, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026 Track Cash Inflows And Outflows Most owners believe strong revenue protects them in a downturn. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for downturn

Word History

First Known Use

1658, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of downturn was in 1658

Rhymes for downturn

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Browse Nearby Words

downtrodden
downturn
down-twister
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Cite this Entry

“Downturn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downturn. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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