negative trend

USAGE SUMMARY

"negative trend" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a decline or decrease in something such as a statistic or an indicator over a certain period of time. For example, "The unemployment rate has been experiencing a negative trend since the start of the recession in 2008."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He added: "It's misleading to look at ratings for selected events and conclude that a negative trend is happening.

The New York Times - Sports

But the over-reliance on "hardware" on Central European soil as "proof" of a high strategic partnership was a negative trend the Obama administration inherited.

The New York Times

Low inflation is undoubtedly welcomed by Germany's consumers, but lack of price pressure in the economy is reflective of a negative trend in the wider eurozone.

The Guardian - Business

Such algorithms may create so-called filter bubbles, which reinforce a negative trend of our time – the one that leads to more polarized communities.

The Guardian - Tech

The letter went on to warn that the company might be forced to put up prices again in the "event of further negative trend".

The Guardian - Business

The number of bird, mammal and amphibian species is declining; and the negative trend for corals is even steeper.

The New York Times

When you combine that with their negative trend a year ago, the net increase is well above 20 percent.

The New York Times

We have to work, to remain united, and to speak among ourselves and change this negative trend".

The New York Times - Sports

New approaches to turn the negative trend are needed.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Some data provide a positive trend, other a negative trend.

Advances in Space Research

As you can see, the negative trend spans the industry and does not discriminate.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "negative trend", quantify the degree and duration of the trend to provide a clearer picture. For example, instead of simply stating a "negative trend" in sales, specify that sales have decreased by 15% over the past quarter.

Common error

Avoid using "negative trend" as a standalone statement without providing context. Always specify what is trending negatively and the factors contributing to it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative trend" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "negative" modifies the noun "trend". This construction allows it to act as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig confirms its use in describing declines or unfavorable directions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

26%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "negative trend" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a decline or decrease over time. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is widespread across various domains, including news, science, and business. When using "negative trend", it's crucial to provide specific context and quantify the extent of the decline for clarity. While alternatives like "downward trajectory" or "declining tendency" exist, "negative trend" remains a versatile and readily understood option. Remember to avoid overgeneralization and always specify the subject and scope of the trend.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

downward trajectory

Emphasizes the path or direction of the decline.

declining tendency

Focuses on the inclination or predisposition towards a decrease.

deteriorating pattern

Highlights a worsening or decaying aspect of the trend.

unfavorable development

Implies an undesirable or adverse progression.

adverse movement

Suggests a contrary or opposing motion.

weakening signal

Indicates a reduction in strength or intensity of an indicator.

receding wave

Implies a withdrawal or ebb of something.

slipping momentum

Focuses on the loss of driving force or speed.

falling rate

Specifically indicates a decrease in a measured quantity.

collapsing structure

Emphasizes the breakdown or failure of a system or entity.

FAQs

How can I use "negative trend" in a sentence?

You can use "negative trend" to describe a decline or decrease in something over time. For example, "There's a "negative trend" in student enrollment due to rising tuition costs."

What are some alternatives to "negative trend"?

Alternatives include "downward trajectory", "declining tendency", or "deteriorating pattern". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it always appropriate to use "negative trend"?

While "negative trend" is generally acceptable, ensure it accurately reflects the situation. If the decline is slight or insignificant, consider using a more nuanced term.

What's the difference between "negative trend" and "downward spiral"?

"Negative trend" simply indicates a decline, while "downward spiral" suggests a continuous and accelerating decline, often with dire consequences. The latter implies a more severe and self-reinforcing process.