debt spiral

USAGE SUMMARY

"debt spiral" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation in which someone accumulates debts and incurs additional expenses trying to pay those debts, resulting in further debts. For example: "John found himself in a debt spiral when he took out a loan to cover his credit card bills, only to find that he then had to borrow more money to cover the loan repayments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Those downgrades did not lead to a debt spiral.

The Economist

"Everyone's afraid that the debt spiral will become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The New York Times

But one small thing can put them into a debt spiral.

The New York Times

But now that India is growing slower there is the real risk of its sliding down a debt spiral.

The Economist

"The trouble is that the austerity that Germany wants to impose will push Europe into a deflationary debt spiral".

The Guardian - Business

Rogoff says that while the United States isn't now confronting a true debt spiral, the recent debate over the nation's debt is long overdue.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

DEBT spirals: the term sounds ominous.

The New York Times

Debt spirals are dangerous, but they aren't inevitable.

The New York Times

There have been varying causes for the debt spirals.

The New York Times

As oil prices sank and debt spiralled, Venezuela's long boom came to a painful end.

The Economist

Our debt spiraled up faster than I had ever dreamed possible.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing financial matters, use "debt spiral" to clearly convey a situation where initial debt leads to further borrowing and increasing financial hardship.

Common error

Avoid using "debt spiral" when simply referring to high debt levels. The phrase specifically describes a self-reinforcing cycle of borrowing to repay existing debts, leading to further debt accumulation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "debt spiral" functions as a noun phrase describing a negative economic phenomenon. It typically acts as a subject or object, as seen in the Ludwig examples where it refers to a country's or individual's financial situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "debt spiral" is a common and correct term used to describe a situation where debt accumulates rapidly due to borrowing to cover existing debts. Ludwig's examples show its widespread usage in news and media, highlighting its relevance in discussing economic and financial challenges. The phrase carries a negative connotation, serving as a warning against unsustainable debt practices. Ludwig AI also confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Alternatives like "debt cycle" or "spiraling debt" can be used, but "debt spiral" specifically emphasizes the self-reinforcing and potentially devastating nature of this financial predicament.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spiraling debt

Focuses on the continuous upward trajectory of debt.

debt vortex

Emphasizes the inescapable nature of the debt accumulation.

debt cycle

Focuses on the recurring nature of the debt problem.

debt maelstrom

Highlights the turbulent and chaotic aspects of a debt situation.

debt trap

Implies a situation from which escape is difficult or impossible.

unsustainable debt

Highlights the inability to maintain the current level of debt.

escalating debt

Highlights the increasing nature of debt.

mounting debt

Emphasizes the growing burden of debt.

increasing debt

Directly states the rise in debt levels.

debt crisis

Focuses on the critical and unstable nature of the debt.

FAQs

How is "debt spiral" used in a sentence?

The phrase "debt spiral" is used to describe a situation where taking on more debt to pay off existing debts results in even greater debt. For example: "The country risked entering a "debt spiral" if it continued borrowing to cover its budget deficit."

What are some alternatives to saying "debt spiral"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "debt cycle", "spiraling debt", or "debt trap".

What causes a "debt spiral"?

A "debt spiral" is typically caused by a combination of high initial debt, rising interest rates, and a lack of income or revenue to cover debt payments, leading to a vicious cycle of borrowing.

How can a "debt spiral" be prevented?

Preventing a "debt spiral" involves sound financial planning, avoiding excessive borrowing, managing expenses, and seeking financial advice when needed. Addressing the root causes of debt and implementing sustainable financial strategies are key.