things are going downhill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "things are going downhill" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation that is deteriorating or becoming worse over time. Example: "After the management changes, it felt like things were going downhill for the entire department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Although it sounds like things are going downhill.

Huffington Post

I've always had a pretty good meter on where I am mentally and can usually see when things are going downhill.

Huffington Post

He told me that there is a shortage of night taxi drivers, and "[Ride-sharing services like daeri and Uber] are reducing the volume of business enormously and things are going downhill.

Vice

"Things are going downhill in our relationship with Russia, and there's no reason to suspect the Arctic will be immune," said Tom Fedyszyn, professor of national security affairs at the US Naval War College.

Vice

If you think things are going downhill, oh well, what can you do?

WikiHow

Now, if things are going downhill once your relationship starts, talk to your crush about it.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Before I turned off my comments, I think things were going downhill.

The Guardian - Tech

This is when I had a feeling things were going downhill.

Forbes

Things were going downhill fast.

Huffington Post

"At the time I had a boyfriend, things were going downhill," said Kevin.

Huffington Post

This was hardly the only sign that things were going downhill.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "things are going downhill" to describe a situation that is actively worsening, but avoid overusing it in formal contexts where more precise language might be preferred. Remember that its impact comes from its slightly informal and relatable tone.

Common error

While "things are going downhill" is acceptable in many contexts, it might be too informal for academic papers or formal business reports. Consider using alternatives like "the situation is deteriorating" or "the trend is negative" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "things are going downhill" functions as a descriptive statement. Ludwig AI indicates that it accurately describes a deteriorating situation. It conveys a sense of decline or worsening circumstances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "things are going downhill" is a common and correct way to express that a situation is deteriorating. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts. While its slightly informal tone makes it suitable for news articles and casual conversations, more formal alternatives like "the situation is deteriorating" might be preferred in academic or business settings. The phrase is frequently used in News & Media and Wiki sources. Be mindful of the level of formality required for your specific writing context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

things are deteriorating

Replaces "going downhill" with a more formal term, "deteriorating", implying a gradual worsening.

things are declining

Similar to "deteriorating", but slightly less formal, suggesting a gradual decrease in quality or condition.

things are getting worse

A more straightforward and less nuanced way of saying "things are going downhill".

things are falling apart

Emphasizes a breakdown or disintegration of something, adding a sense of urgency or crisis.

the situation is worsening

Focuses specifically on a "situation" and its negative progression.

things are on the decline

A more formal and slightly more detached way of expressing the same idea, using the noun "decline".

things are taking a turn for the worse

Indicates a distinct change from good to bad, often unexpectedly.

the wheels are coming off

An idiomatic expression suggesting a loss of control and impending failure.

the situation is spiraling downward

Suggests a rapid and uncontrolled decline, often with increasingly negative consequences.

it's all going to hell in a handbasket

An informal idiom expressing the idea that everything is rapidly getting worse.

FAQs

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

You can use "things are going downhill" to describe a situation that's progressively worsening, such as "After the new management took over, "things are going downhill" at the office."

What's a more formal way to say "things are going downhill"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "the situation is deteriorating" or "the trend is negative" instead of saying "things are going downhill".

When is it appropriate to use "things are going downhill"?

"Things are going downhill" is suitable for informal conversations, news articles, and blog posts. Avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing.

What does it mean when someone says "things are going downhill"?

When someone says "things are going downhill", it means that a situation or process is deteriorating or worsening over time.