a downward trajectory

USAGE SUMMARY

"a downward trajectory" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to a downward or decreasing trend or path. Example: "The company's profits have been on a downward trajectory for the past three quarters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The importance of Napster is on a downward trajectory at this point".

The New York Times

Oil prices are falling, and are set to continue on a downward trajectory.

The Guardian

Long before the referendum, job-to-job moves were on a downward trajectory in the UK.

The Guardian - Business

Mr. Obama's approval ratings have been on a downward trajectory for the past couple of months.

The New York Times

The army's agonies in Afghanistan are feeding the sense that Britain has resumed a downward trajectory.

The Economist

The teenage murder rate has fallen sharply since 2007; teen pregnancy is also on a downward trajectory.

The Guardian - Books

In fact, if you think your school is actually "great" then you are probably on a downward trajectory anyway.

The Guardian

Shorten's rating as preferred prime minister is on a downward trajectory, slipping three percentage points to 15%.

The Guardian

The fortunes of America's longest war are on a downward trajectory as the Taliban reconquers lost terrain.

The Guardian

Diapers, bleach, shoe polish, car wax and socks are also on a downward trajectory, the data shows.

The New York Times

Institutionalizing young people far away from their families and communities tends to place them in a downward trajectory to deeper involvement with crime.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a downward trajectory" when describing a trend or process that is consistently decreasing or declining. It's particularly effective when emphasizing the direction of change over time.

Common error

Avoid using "a downward trajectory" to describe temporary dips or fluctuations. The phrase implies a sustained and consistent decline, not just a brief setback.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a downward trajectory" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object to describe the direction or path of something that is decreasing or declining. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a downward trajectory" is a frequently used and grammatically correct phrase that describes a decreasing or declining trend. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, predominantly in news, science, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a sustained decline rather than temporary fluctuations. Alternative phrases like "a declining trend" or "a downward spiral" can provide similar meanings with slightly different connotations. Remember that this phrase is most impactful when highlighting a direction of change and potential concern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a downward spiral

Suggests a continuous and worsening decline.

a path of decline

Replaces trajectory with path, slightly altering the imagery.

a declining trend

Replaces "trajectory" with the more general term "trend", focusing on the direction of change.

a downturn

A general term for an economic or other kind of decline.

a negative trend

Focuses on the negative aspect of the trend.

a slide in performance

Specifically refers to a drop in performance levels.

a decreasing slope

Uses mathematical terminology to describe the decline.

a worsening situation

Broadly describes a decline in circumstances.

a falling rate

Emphasizes the speed or pace of the decline.

a diminishing return

Implies that benefits are decreasing over time.

FAQs

How can I use "a downward trajectory" in a sentence?

You can use "a downward trajectory" to describe a declining trend. For instance, "The company's profits have been on "a downward trajectory" since the new regulations were implemented."

What are some alternatives to "a downward trajectory"?

Alternatives include "a declining trend", "a downward spiral", or "a negative trend", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a downward trajectory" in formal writing?

Yes, "a downward trajectory" is suitable for formal writing. It's commonly used in news reports, business analyses, and academic papers to describe trends and patterns.

What's the difference between "a downward trajectory" and "a downward trend"?

While similar, "a downward trajectory" suggests a more continuous and directional path, whereas "a downward trend" may refer to a more general decline without necessarily implying a specific path or direction.