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tailspin

[teyl-spin] / ˈteɪlˌspɪn /
NOUN
descent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
plunge slide
STRONG
coast crash declension declination decline declivity dip downgrade droop drop drop-off fall grade gradient header hill inclination incline landslide precipitation prolapse sag settlement sinking slant slip slope swoop tumble
WEAK
cave-in coming down falling plummeting plunging sinkage topple
Antonyms
STRONG
ascent evenness increase level rise
WEAK
ascension elevation improvement upgrade

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Its after-effects have derailed her life, and an unexpected email invitation to attend a retirement party in France honoring her former lover sends her into a tailspin.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

The return of market volatility or a technological setback could immediately send the stocks into a tailspin.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

The defense sector’s tailspin comes against the backdrop of gains heading into the conflict.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

That was our headline on June 13, 2025, the first of the 12 days of war that sent Iran’s regime into a tailspin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026

Which of course throws me into a mental tailspin.

From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone

Vocabulary lists containing tailspin

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