a slump

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "slump" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a period of continuous decline or instability, usually in the context of an economy, company, or industry. Example sentence: The stock market has been in a slump since the beginning of the year.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A slump in Russia.

The Guardian - Business

"He's in a slump.

The New York Times - Sports

This isn't a slump.

The New York Times - Sports

Most reported a slump.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's a slump.

The New York Times - Sports

But it suffers less during a slump.

The Economist

They recently helped Mike shake a slump.

The New York Times - Sports

MUHAMMAD HANIF is bracing for a slump.

The Economist

Or a slump, to us fans.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

How can organizations emerge from a slump?

Cornell University

Mashburn is in a slump.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a slump", ensure the context clearly indicates what is experiencing the decline, such as "a slump in sales", "an economic slump", or "a performance slump".

Common error

Avoid using "a slump" to describe minor or insignificant fluctuations. The phrase implies a noticeable and sustained decline, not just a temporary dip.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slump" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically describes a period of economic or performance decline. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Academia

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a slump" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase to describe a period of decline. As Ludwig confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media when discussing economic or performance downturns. When using the phrase, ensure the context clarifies what is experiencing the decline. While versatile, avoid using it for minor fluctuations to maintain accuracy. Be mindful of alternative terms like "an economic downturn" or "a decline in performance" for nuanced expressions. By considering these points, writers can effectively employ "a slump" to convey specific and impactful information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an economic downturn

Refers specifically to a decline in economic activity.

a period of stagnation

Emphasizes the lack of growth or progress during the period.

a decline in performance

Focuses on a reduction in effectiveness or output.

a failing economy

Highlights the negative state of the economy.

a downturn in sales

Specifically refers to a reduction in the amount of sales.

a drop in productivity

Focuses on the reduced output or efficiency.

a market correction

Implies a return to a more sustainable level after a period of overvaluation.

a period of recession

Indicates a more severe and prolonged economic downturn.

a temporary setback

Suggests a short-term reversal that does not necessarily lead to a long-term decline.

a phase of difficulty

Indicates a broader period of challenges or problems, not necessarily limited to economic contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "a slump" in a sentence?

You can use "a slump" to describe a period of decline or downturn. For example, "The company experienced "a slump" in sales during the last quarter" or "The economy is currently in "a slump"".

What are some alternatives to "a slump"?

Alternatives to "a slump" include "an economic downturn", "a period of stagnation", or "a decline in performance", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the slump" instead of "a slump"?

While both can be correct, "a slump" generally refers to a specific instance or period of decline, while "the slump" might refer to a more generalized or ongoing condition. The choice depends on the intended specificity.

What's the difference between "a slump" and "a recession"?

"A slump" is a general term for a decline or downturn, while "a recession" is a specific type of economic downturn that meets certain criteria, such as a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, lasting more than a few months.