going downhill

USAGE SUMMARY

'going downhill' is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a decline in a situation or a person's abilities or health. Example: "Ever since he lost his job, his life has been going downhill." This sentence implies that the person's life has been getting worse since losing their job. Another example: "The company's profits have been going downhill for the past year." This sentence suggests that the company's profits have been decreasing over time. Additionally, 'going downhill' can also be used to describe a physical movement, such as skiing or biking down a steep incline. Example: "We decided to take the more challenging trail, even though it was mostly going downhill." This sentence means that the trail mostly consisted of downward slopes.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is going downhill".

The Economist

He was going downhill".

The New York Times

He had said, "You're going downhill.

The New Yorker

And things just keep going downhill.

The New Yorker

Their sexual relationship was going downhill.

The New Yorker

"Usually that means they're going downhill.

The New York Times - Sports

Going downhill was a dicey affair.

The New Yorker

Boy, the city's going downhill.

The New York Times

He was going downhill fast.

The Guardian

Our hospitals are going downhill".

The New York Times

For another, we were going downhill.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical movement, clarify the nature of the activity (e.g., skiing, cycling, hiking) for better understanding.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is "going downhill" without explaining why. Provide details about the contributing factors to make your statement more informative and impactful. For instance, instead of saying "His health is going downhill", specify "His health is going downhill due to a lack of exercise and a poor diet."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "going downhill" functions as a verb phrase indicating a process of decline or deterioration. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, from describing health and relationships to economic and societal trends. It depicts a negative progression, suggesting things are getting worse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "going downhill" is a common and correct verb phrase used to describe a decline or deterioration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's essential to provide context to clarify the nature and reasons for the decline. Consider using more formal alternatives like "deteriorating" or "declining" in academic or professional settings. Avoid overusing the phrase without providing specific reasons for the decline, ensuring clarity and impact in your writing. Remember to consider the severity and speed of the decline when choosing between "going downhill" and related phrases like "on a downward spiral".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declining

Emphasizes a gradual decrease in quality, quantity, or condition.

deteriorating

Focuses on the process of becoming worse over time.

worsening

Highlights the act of becoming worse, often suddenly or rapidly.

on a downward spiral

Describes a situation that is rapidly and uncontrollably getting worse.

on the decline

Uses a more formal and distanced tone to indicate a downward trend.

taking a turn for the worse

Suggests a sudden and negative change in a situation or condition.

slipping

Implies a gradual and often unnoticed decline.

failing

Highlights the lack of success or the inability to maintain a previous state.

heading south

An informal expression indicating a negative direction or outcome.

collapsing

Indicates a sudden and catastrophic failure or decline.

FAQs

How can I use "going downhill" in a sentence?

You can use "going downhill" to describe a decline in various contexts, such as "The company's profits are "going downhill"" or "His health has been "going downhill" since the accident.

What are some alternatives to "going downhill"?

Alternatives to "going downhill" include "deteriorating", "declining", or "worsening". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "going downhill" in formal writing?

While "going downhill" is widely understood, it may be more appropriate to use a more formal alternative like "on the decline" or "deteriorating" in academic or professional contexts. It depends on the specific audience and the desired tone.

What's the difference between "going downhill" and "on a downward spiral"?

"Going downhill" generally describes a decline, while "on a downward spiral" suggests a rapid and uncontrollable worsening of a situation. The latter implies a more severe and escalating negative trend.