Downhill: meaning, definitions and examples

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downhill

 

[ ˈdaʊnˌhɪl ]

Adverb / Adjective
Context #1 | Adverb

movement, direction

Downhill refers to movement toward the base of a slope or decline. It can describe physical motion, such as skidding down a hill, as well as metaphorical situations, such as a worsening condition.

Synonyms

declining, decreasing, sloping.

Examples of usage

  • We went downhill skiing in the winter.
  • The car slid downhill after the brakes failed.
  • Their luck seemed to go downhill after the accident.
Context #2 | Adjective

slope, terrain

Downhill describes a landscape that slopes downward. It often refers to hills or terrains that make it easier for gravity to pull objects or people downward.

Synonyms

declining, descending, sloped.

Examples of usage

  • The downhill trail was perfect for beginners.
  • He prefers the downhill courses over the flat ones.
  • There are challenging downhill paths in the mountains.

Translations

Translations of the word "downhill" in other languages:

🇵🇹 descer

🇮🇳 नीचे

🇩🇪 abwärts

🇮🇩 turun

🇺🇦 вниз

🇵🇱 w dół

🇯🇵 下り

🇫🇷 descente

🇪🇸 cuesta abajo

🇹🇷 aşağı

🇰🇷 내리막

🇸🇦 الأسفل

🇨🇿 sestup

🇸🇰 zjazd

🇨🇳 下坡

🇸🇮 navzdol

🇮🇸 niður

🇰🇿 төмен

🇬🇪 ქვედა

🇦🇿 aşağı

🇲🇽 cuesta abajo

Etymology

The term 'downhill' originated in the early 17th century, with its components deriving from the words 'down' and 'hill.' The word 'down' can be traced back to Old English 'dūne,' meaning 'hill, slope,' while 'hill' comes from the Old English 'hyll,' denoting a raised area of land. Initially, 'downhill' was used in reference to both physical descents and metaphorical contexts. Over time, the word has become associated with various activities, including skiing and cycling, where a downhill path is seen as more exhilarating. Its use in figurative language to describe deterioration or a decline in circumstances has also gained acceptance, showcasing the flexibility of English in adapting terms for broader contexts.