A decline in economic, business, or other activity; a period when things become worse or less successful. A downward trend or movement.
Compound word formed from 'down' (in a lower position) + 'turn' (change of direction), first appearing in American English around 1926 during economic discussions. The metaphor treats economic activity like a road that can turn upward or downward.
The term 'downturn' became popular during the Great Depression as economists sought euphemistic ways to describe economic catastrophe - it sounds much less alarming than 'collapse' or 'crash.' The visual metaphor of an economy as a winding road perfectly captures how financial situations can change direction suddenly and dramatically.
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