Slump Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

📉

Add to dictionary

slump

[slʌmp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

economic

A sudden severe or prolonged fall in the price, value, or amount of something.

Synonyms

decline, depression, downturn, drop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slump	Used to describe a sudden or severe fall in prices, values, or sales. It often implies a sharper or deeper decrease. After the announcement, there was a noticeable slump in stock prices
decline	Best used when talking about a gradual reduction or decrease in quantity, quality, or importance. There has been a steady decline in customer satisfaction over the past year
downturn	Commonly used to describe a general decrease in economic, business, or financial conditions; less severe than a depression but still significant. The company announced layoffs due to the current economic downturn
drop	Used to describe a sudden or noticeable decrease in number, amount, or level. There was a significant drop in temperature overnight
depression	Mostly used in an economic context to describe a long-term, severe downturn in economic activity, more severe than a recession. This term can also refer to a prolonged period of low mood or sadness. The Great Depression of the 1930s affected economies worldwide

Examples of usage

The economic slump has led to many companies going out of business.
The housing market is experiencing a slump due to rising interest rates.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

posture

Sit, lean, or fall heavily and awkwardly.

Synonyms

collapse, droop, sink, slouch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slump	Used when someone or something suddenly falls or sinks down due to tiredness, laziness, or defeat. It's often used in economic contexts as well, to describe a sudden decrease. After the long hike, he slumped into the chair, exhausted. The company’s profits slumped last quarter.
slouch	Indicates a posture where someone stands, walks, or sits with shoulders hanging forward and back curved, often suggesting laziness or lack of confidence. Stop slouching and sit up straight. He slouched into the room with a bored expression.
collapse	Refers to falling down suddenly and completely, often due to lack of strength, structural failure, or extreme fatigue. Frequently used in medical and structural contexts. The building collapsed after the earthquake. She collapsed from dehydration during the marathon.
sink	Implies a downward movement, often gradually, into a lower position. Can be physical or metaphorical. The ship began to sink after hitting the iceberg. Her heart sank when she heard the bad news.
droop	Describes something bending or hanging downwards, often due to fatigue, lack of support, or lack of vitality. Commonly used for plants, body parts, or expressions. The flowers drooped in the afternoon heat. His eyelids drooped as he struggled to stay awake.

Examples of usage

She slumped in her chair after a long day at work.
He slumped against the wall, exhausted from the hike.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'slump'

The word 'slump' originated in the early 17th century, perhaps as a blend of 'slip' and 'jump'. Originally used in the context of a heavy or awkward fall, it later evolved to also describe a sudden decline or downturn in economic terms.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,730, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14727 handlers
14728 hydrophobic
14729 exerting
14730 slump
14731 empowering
14732 mirrored
14733 thirtieth
...