spiraling out of control

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spiraling out of control" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation or behavior that is rapidly becoming more chaotic or unmanageable. Example: The company's financial problems were spiraling out of control, with debts piling up and no clear solution in sight.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"They're also spiraling out of control".

The New York Times

Events are spiraling out of control.

The New York Times

The inning was spiraling out of control for Zito.

The New York Times - Sports

Each had the potential for spiraling out of control.

The New York Times

Things seemed to be spiraling out of control.

The New York Times

But by then the economy was spiraling out of control.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

This could easily spiral out of control".

The Guardian - Business

Overwhelming credit card debt can easily spiral out of control.

Huffington Post

But things just spiralled out of control.

Independent

She was spiralling out of control".

Independent

It soon spiraled out of control.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "spiraling out of control" with specific details to enhance impact. For instance, instead of saying "the project was spiraling out of control", specify which aspects are problematic: "the project was spiraling out of control, with missed deadlines and budget overruns".

Common error

Avoid using "spiraling out of control" to describe static or unchanging situations. This phrase implies a dynamic process of decline or escalation, not a stable state. For example, do not say "The old house was spiraling out of control" (since a static state of disrepair is implied), rather use other options such as "The old house was falling apart".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spiraling out of control" functions as an idiomatic expression, typically serving as a predicate adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes a subject's state as one of escalating disorder or loss of control. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spiraling out of control" is a correct and very common idiomatic phrase used to describe situations rapidly becoming unmanageable. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely accepted in written English. Predominantly found in News & Media, its purpose is to express urgency and concern. While generally considered neutral, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "becoming unmanageable". To effectively use the phrase, ensure it describes a dynamic situation, pairing it with specific details for maximum impact. When selecting "spiraling out of control", consider the regional dialect you are writing in as “spiralling out of control” is more common in British English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming unmanageable

Highlights the loss of control and the increasing difficulty in handling the situation.

getting out of hand

An informal alternative suggesting that the situation is no longer under control.

descending into chaos

Focuses on the chaotic nature of the situation, emphasizing disorder and confusion.

escalating rapidly

Emphasizes the speed and intensity of the situation's deterioration.

deteriorating quickly

Focuses on the decline and worsening of the situation in a short amount of time.

going downhill fast

An idiom indicating a rapid decline in quality or condition.

falling apart

Suggests a breakdown or disintegration of something, be it a plan, relationship, or system.

slipping into disarray

Highlights the growing lack of order and organization.

losing its grip

An idiomatic phrase indicating a weakening hold on a situation or entity.

running amok

Indicates uncontrolled and disruptive behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "spiraling out of control" in a sentence?

Use "spiraling out of control" to describe situations rapidly becoming unmanageable. For example: "The company's debts were "spiraling out of control"", or "His anger was "spiraling out of control"".

What's a less common synonym for "spiraling out of control"?

A less common, more formal alternative to "spiraling out of control" is "becoming unmanageable". Other options include "descending into chaos" and "deteriorating quickly".

Is it appropriate to use "spiraling out of control" in formal writing?

While "spiraling out of control" is widely understood, it can be considered less formal. For formal writing, consider alternatives such as "becoming unmanageable" or describing the specific escalating issues, such as "debts are rising exponentially".

Which is correct, "spiraling out of control" or "spiralling out of control"?

"Spiraling out of control" and "spiralling out of control" are both correct, with the latter being more common in British English. The choice depends on the regional dialect you are writing in.