What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
downturn
Example
The company experienced a downturn in sales due to the pandemic. [downturn: noun]
Example
The economy is currently in a downturn, with many businesses struggling to stay afloat. [downturn: noun]
slowdown
Example
The factory experienced a slowdown in production due to a shortage of raw materials. [slowdown: noun]
Example
The company is experiencing a temporary slowdown in sales during the off-season. [slowdown: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slowdown is more commonly used than downturn in everyday language. Slowdown is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while downturn is more specific to economic or business-related situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between downturn and slowdown?
Both downturn and slowdown are formal terms that are commonly used in business and economic contexts. However, downturn may be considered more formal and technical than slowdown, which is more commonly used in everyday language.
