Spiralling

Spiralling describes a situation or process that is rapidly increasing or decreasing, often in a continuous, cyclical, or accelerating manner. It implies a movement in a curved or circular path, or a worsening or improving trend. It can refer to physical movements, such as a bird circling, or abstract concepts like inflation, emotions, or debt, which intensify progressively. The core meaning centers on a deviation or departure from a steady state and the establishment of a continuous action that's usually outside of the normal or desired parameters. The use of spiralling conveys a dynamic and sometimes concerning aspect to the subject. spiralling is frequently accompanied by negative connotations when referencing events or actions. The term can describe something in a process that is either getting worse or better, however, is rarely neutral.

Spiralling meaning with examples

• The company's financial losses started small but have been spiralling downward since, forcing drastic cost-cutting measures. The CEO is trying to create a new strategy to stop the descent of company performance as they spiral into further debt. Employees fear layoffs due to the spiralling crisis and morale has drastically decreased, affecting productivity.
• The eagle, using a thermal current, was spiralling upwards into the vast blue sky, gaining altitude effortlessly. It scanned the ground below, looking for a potential meal. Its graceful, circular motion mesmerized the onlookers, watching the predator spiral towards the heavens before slowly descending back towards its prey.
• The detective realized that the suspect's lies were spiralling, with each untruth creating a larger web of deception. The spiral of falsehoods made it difficult to discern the truth. He knew that he would need to corner the suspect if he wanted him to confess as the evidence was rapidly spiralling against him.
• After breaking up with her boyfriend, her negative thoughts started spiralling. She felt increasingly hopeless and trapped in a cycle of sadness and despair. With therapy, she learned coping mechanisms that would help her regain control of her spiralling emotions, allowing her to reclaim her happiness.