economic downturn
A period of reduced economic activity, characterised by falling GDP, rising unemployment, and decreased consumer spending.
writing-task-1speakingWork and economy
Utilisation IELTS
Common in task 1 line graphs showing economic indicators and in speaking part 3 discussions about the economy.
Exemples
- The bar chart illustrates the impact of the economic downturn on retail sales over a five-year period.
- During an economic downturn, many companies freeze hiring to cut costs.
- Governments often introduce stimulus packages to counteract an economic downturn.
Collocations
- severe economic downturn
- The country experienced a severe economic downturn following the banking crisis.
- economic downturn led to
- The economic downturn led to a sharp rise in unemployment claims.
- during the economic downturn
- During the economic downturn, consumer confidence fell to an all-time low.
- suffer an economic downturn
- Many small businesses suffered during the economic downturn.
Paraphrases
- economic recession: A more technical term for a prolonged downturn; precise for task 1.
- economic slowdown: Slightly milder; useful when describing a decrease in growth, not outright contraction.
- economic crisis: Broader term; can include financial and social aspects.
Erreurs courantes
- economic downturn effect to effect of the economic downturn. The noun phrase needs a preposition to show the relationship.
- downturn economy to economic downturn. The correct adjective form is 'economic', not the noun 'economy'.
- economic downturn is same as inflation to economic downturn is a broader concept that may include falling prices. Inflation is just one possible element, not a synonym.