gone downhill

USAGE SUMMARY

"gone downhill" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but it generally means that something has declined in quality or become worse over time. Example: "Ever since the new management took over, the company's financial performance has gone downhill." In this sentence, "gone downhill" is used to describe the declining financial performance of the company.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Everything has gone downhill.

The New York Times

"It's gone downhill".

The New York Times

It had gone downhill.

The Guardian

Some of the houses had gone downhill.

The New Yorker

Since then, things have gone downhill.

The Economist

But things have gone downhill since then.

The Guardian

Michelin-starred cooking sure has gone downhill.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But oh man, it has gone downhill.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It's clear that I've gone downhill rapidly.

The Guardian - Travel

Things have gone downhill since then.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It is going downhill".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "gone downhill", ensure the context clearly indicates what is experiencing the decline. For instance, specify whether it's a "relationship", "business", or "health" that has deteriorated. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "gone downhill" without specifying why something has declined. Instead of saying "The project has gone downhill", explain what aspects have worsened, such as "The project has gone downhill due to budget cuts and lack of resources."

Linguistic Context

Gone downhill primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a decline or deterioration. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its versatile use in describing the worsening of situations, quality, or health. It's an idiomatic expression widely recognized and accepted in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gone downhill" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound idiomatic phrase used to describe a decline or deterioration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and showcases its usage across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While generally considered neutral to informal, it's advisable to opt for more formal alternatives like "deteriorated" or "declined" in professional settings. When using "gone downhill", ensure clarity by specifying what exactly has experienced the decline. This helps avoid vague interpretations and ensures effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slid downhill

Similar to "gone downhill", but emphasizes a continuous and uncontrolled decline.

worsened

Simply indicates that something has become worse.

deteriorated

Focuses on the process of worsening, often gradual.

taken a turn for the worse

Implies a sudden and negative change.

declined

A more formal term for a decrease in quality or condition.

fallen off

Implies a decrease in performance or quality.

degenerated

Suggests a decline in moral or intellectual qualities.

gone to pot

An informal expression indicating significant decline, particularly in appearance or maintenance.

regressed

Indicates a return to a less developed state.

fallen into disrepair

Specifically suggests physical deterioration or neglect.

FAQs

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

You can use "gone downhill" to describe a decline in quality, condition, or performance. For example, "Since the new management took over, the company's morale has "gone downhill"".

What's a more formal alternative to "gone downhill"?

More formal alternatives include "deteriorated", "declined", or "worsened". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "gone downhill" in professional writing?

While "gone downhill" is widely understood, it's generally more appropriate for informal settings. In professional writing, consider using more formal alternatives such as "declined" or "deteriorated" to maintain a professional tone.

What are some other ways to say things have "taken a turn for the worse"?

Besides the more informal "gone downhill", you can also say things have "deteriorated", "declined", or "worsened".