downward trajectories

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "downward trajectories" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decline or negative trend in various contexts, such as economics, personal development, or performance metrics. Example: "The company's profits have been following downward trajectories for the past three quarters, raising concerns among investors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Like formation skydivers plunging inexorably towards earth, so the downward trajectories of Norwich City and Charlton Athletic have mirrored each other over the past 12 months.

The Guardian - Sport

The shelves of worry continue to be stacked at the UK grocers and share prices are reflective with ugly downward trajectories.

The Guardian - Business

Kevin Norrish of Barclays Capital says that commodities followed similar downward trajectories in 2010, as Europe's sovereign-debt crisis flared, and 2009, as fears of a double-dip recession surfaced.

The Economist

Of the 22 families with downward trajectories, most are related to intracellular and extracellular structure.

BMC Genomics

The downward trajectories of the survival curves were distinctly steeper for current smokers than for never smokers.

British Medical Journal

Among the categories with downward trajectories were those that included genes involved in cell migration, layer formation, axon extension, regionalization, and cell proliferation.

BMC Genomics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This downward trajectory gave me a moral chill.

The New Yorker

This odd building boom belies Turkmenistan's accelerating downward trajectory.

The New York Times - Magazine

None can change the downward trajectory of cognition.

The New York Times

Latin America's downward trajectory also looks well-founded.

The Economist

But the industry's downward trajectory may have been stayed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "downward trajectories", ensure the context clearly indicates what is declining. For example, specify "downward trajectories of sales" or "downward trajectories of approval ratings" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "downward trajectories" in contexts where a simple "decrease" or "decline" is sufficient. The phrase implies a continuous, often accelerating, negative trend, not just a one-time drop.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downward trajectories" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a trend or course that is decreasing or declining. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "downward trajectories" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to describe negative trends or declines. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news, scientific, and business contexts. When using the phrase, be specific about what is declining. Alternatives such as "declining trends" or "negative trends" may be suitable depending on the desired nuance. Be mindful of the term's connotation: it implies a continuous and often accelerating decline, and it should not be employed where a more general term like "decrease" would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declining trends

Replaces "trajectories" with the more general term "trends", focusing on the overall pattern of decline.

negative trends

Similar to "declining trends", but emphasizes the negativity of the trend.

descending paths

Uses "paths" as a metaphor for trajectories, suggesting a route or course that is going downwards.

plummeting courses

Emphasizes a rapid and dramatic decline.

collapsing patterns

Suggests a breakdown or failure in the pattern.

deteriorating conditions

Focuses on the worsening state of affairs.

waning fortunes

Implies a loss of success or prosperity.

slipping standards

Highlights a decline in quality or performance.

declining slope

Focuses on the downward angle or gradient of the trajectory.

descending direction

A more literal and less metaphorical way of describing a downward movement.

FAQs

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

You can use "downward trajectories" to describe declining trends in various contexts. For example, "The company's profits followed "downward trajectories" after the new regulations were implemented." or "The "downward trajectories" of student test scores prompted a review of the curriculum".

What are some alternatives to "downward trajectories"?

Alternatives include "declining trends", "negative trends", or "descending paths", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "downward trajectories" in formal writing?

Yes, "downward trajectories" is suitable for formal writing, especially in business, scientific, or news contexts where describing trends is common. However, consider your audience and whether a simpler term like "decline" might be more effective.

What kind of things can be described as having "downward trajectories"?

Anything that can be measured and shows a declining trend can be described as having "downward trajectories". This includes things like sales figures, approval ratings, test scores, market share, and even personal aspects like mood or health.