slump

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

In these sentences, "slump" is a noun:

• The European economy still seems to be in a slump. (Notice that "slump" is often preceded by "in a…")
• 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.
• As the man got older, he developed a noticable slump, losing the confident stride of his youth. (slump = a person’s back is not straight)

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

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

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September 7, 2014