sinking spell
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A brief period during which one's health, strength, or spirits noticeably and temporarily worsen or decline. It can also refer to a temporary downturn in the condition or value of something non-physical.
Usage and Examples
This noun is typically used to describe a transient, negative phase within a broader context of illness, recovery, or fluctuation.
- After the surgery, she experienced a sinking spell but began to improve again within a day.
- The patient's sinking spell worried the nurses, though the doctor assured them it was common during convalescence.
- The old ship went through a sinking spell in its market value before investors regained confidence.
Advanced Usage
- The term often implies a dip or lapse that is expected to be followed by a recovery or stabilization.
- It is frequently used in medical or caregiving contexts but can be applied metaphorically to abstract concepts like morale, fortunes, or market performance.
Variants and Related Words
- Sinking (adj/n): The act or process of descending or declining.
- The sinking feeling in her stomach was unmistakable.
- Spell (n): A short, indefinite period of time, often marked by a specific condition.
- A cold spell hit the region in January.
Synonyms
- Relapse
- Downturn
- Lapse
- Setback
- Worsening
Antonyms
- Recovery
- Rally
- Improvement
- Upswing
Related Idioms and Phrases
- A turn for the worse: A phrase describing a sudden decline in condition, often more severe or lasting than a "sinking spell."
- Overnight, his illness took a turn for the worse.
Noun
- a temporary decline in health or value