September 25, 2011 - Word of the Day: slump

When a person or a thing decreases in strength or potential, you can use the word "slump" to describe the condition.

When it's a noun, it's often preceded by the preposition "in."

• The U.S. economy still seems to be in a slump.
• My favorite baseball team is in a slump. It lost the last nine games.
• I feel like I'm in a slump. I need to change my life.
• After going out for two years, their relationship is in a slump. (go out = date; have a romantic relationship)
• Due to a severe illness, Bill is dealing with a financial slump that he can't seem to get out of.

You can also use "slump" as a verb:

• The financial markets slumped during a day of heavy trading.
• Tom slumped down in his chair in an effort to avoid his teacher.
• When Belinda had a heart attack, she suddenly slumped from her chair to the floor.

To use it as an adjective, add "ing" and put it before a noun:

• It's hard to find a job in a slumping economy.

Word of the Day for September 24, 2011: pay

Word of the Day: August 2011

Word of the Day: July 2011