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Downhill - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Downhill means moving or sloping downward, often referring to a decline in elevation. It can also describe a situation that is worsening or becoming easier, as in things went downhill.

downhill

/ˈdaʊnˌhɪl/ /ˈdaʊnˌhɪl/

Definition:

Moving or sloping downward; declining in quality or condition.

Synonyms:

descending, declining, falling, worsening

Part of Speech:

adjective, adverb, noun

Antonyms:

uphill, improving, ascending

Common Collocations:

downhill race, go downhill, downhill slope

Derivatives:

downhill (noun), downhill (adjective), downhill (adverb)

Usage Tips:

Use "downhill" to describe a literal slope or a figurative decline in performance or situation.

Common Phrases:

go downhill, all downhill from here, downhill battle

Etymology:

From Old English "dūne" (down) + "hyll" (hill), meaning the downward slope of a hill.

Examples:

  • 1. The skier raced downhill at top speed.
  • 2. After the injury, his career went downhill quickly.
  • 3. The road slopes steeply downhill toward the valley.
  • 4. She prefers running uphill rather than downhill for exercise.

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