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

1. a temporary decline in health or value