downward trajectory

USAGE SUMMARY

"downward trajectory" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a situation that is getting worse or declining. For example: "The company's stock has been on a downward trajectory since the news of the CEO's resignation came out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 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

But the downward trajectory of Mr. Toledo's approval ratings at times has obscured advances.

The New York Times

It's slightly depressing to observe the downward trajectory of Stoller's artistry.

The New Yorker

"It's just been an absolute downward trajectory," said Michael Darda, chief economist at MKM Partners.

The New York Times

Faced with a likely downward trajectory, some Sedgwicks found it opportune to marry up.

The New York Times

"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

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "downward trajectory" when describing a trend or progression that is consistently moving towards a lower or worse state. Ensure that the context clearly indicates what is declining (e.g., profits, approval ratings, health).

Common error

Avoid using "downward trajectory" to describe a single event or a static condition. This phrase implies a process or trend over time, not a fixed state. For instance, instead of saying "The company is in a downward trajectory," when referring to one bad quarter of results, specify the actual trend: "The company's profits have been on a "declining trend" for the last three quarters".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "downward trajectory" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As supported by Ludwig, it typically describes a trend or course that is declining or worsening over time. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "downward trajectory" is a commonly used noun phrase that accurately describes a declining trend or worsening situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, especially in news, formal business, and scientific writing. The phrase is best used to describe a continuous decline rather than a static state, and related phrases include ""declining trend"" and ""negative trend"". Ludwig’s examples highlight its widespread use and acceptability in formal and informal settings alike. Therefore, using this phrase in your writing is considered correct and it is a powerful way to describe a decline of any kind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declining trend

Replaces "trajectory" with "trend", focusing on the overall pattern of decline.

negative trend

Similar to "declining trend" but emphasizes the negative direction.

decreasing slope

Uses mathematical terminology to describe a declining graph or chart.

slipping position

Focuses on a loss of status or rank.

deteriorating situation

Highlights the worsening state of affairs.

descending path

Emphasizes the downward direction of a course or development.

plunging downfall

Suggests a rapid and dramatic decline.

descending pattern

Focuses on the falling nature of events.

regression

Uses a more general term for decline or return to a previous state.

decline

A simple and direct synonym for a downward trend.

FAQs

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

You can use "downward trajectory" to describe a declining trend. For example, "The company's sales are on a "downward trajectory"", indicating that sales are decreasing over time.

What are some alternatives to "downward trajectory"?

Some alternatives to "downward trajectory" include "declining trend", "negative trend", or "deteriorating situation", depending on the context.

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

Yes, "downward trajectory" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing trends in business, economics, or science. However, ensure it accurately reflects a continuous decline rather than a static state.

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

While both phrases indicate a decline, "downward trajectory" often implies a more continuous and directional path, while "downward trend" is a more general term for a decreasing pattern. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.