economic downturn

Meaning

An 'economic downturn' refers to a period of decline in economic activity, characterized by reduced spending, lower production, and rising unemployment. It is a formal, professional term used to describe a weakening economy before it officially becomes a recession.

Examples

• Many retail businesses struggled to survive during the last economic downturn.

  Many retail businesses struggled to survive during the last economic downturn.

• The company implemented cost-cutting measures to prepare for a potential economic downturn.

  The company implemented cost-cutting measures to prepare for a potential economic downturn.

• Economists are warning that an economic downturn might occur in the next fiscal quarter.

  Economists are warning that an economic downturn might occur in the next fiscal quarter.

• Despite the economic downturn, our tech sector managed to maintain steady growth.

  Despite the economic downturn, our tech sector managed to maintain steady growth.

• We need to adjust our investment strategy to minimize risks during an economic downturn.

  We need to adjust our investment strategy to minimize risks during an economic downturn.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The country is suffering a big economic down.

  ✓ The country is suffering a major economic downturn.

  'Down' cannot be used as a noun here; the correct compound noun is 'downturn'.

• ✗ We are facing an economical downturn.

  ✓ We are facing an economic downturn.

  Use 'economic' when referring to the economy of a country. 'Economical' means thrifty or saving money.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The manufacturing sector was hit hardest by the recent ___.

  💡 A period of declining economic performance.

  Show answer

  economic downturn

• To survive an ___, businesses must focus on cash flow management.

  💡 The opposite of an economic boom.

  Show answer

  economic downturn