DOWNHILL


Meaning of DOWNHILL in English

I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun

Etymology: down (IV) + hill

1.

a. archaic : the slope toward the bottom of a hill : declivity , descent

b. : a descending gradient (as in circumstances or human existence)

the tragic downhills that bring many promising careers to an end

2.

[ downhill (II) ]

: a competitive ski event consisting of skiing down a trail against time

II. ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ adverb

Etymology: down (III) + hill

1. : toward the bottom of a hill

traveling downhill we really got up speed

2. : toward a lower, poorer, or inferior state or level — used especially in the phrase go downhill

the town has gone downhill since the mill closed

after he retired he went downhill very rapidly

III. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ adjective

Etymology: downhill (II)

1. : sloping downhill

2.

[ downhill (II) 2]

: of, relating to, or designed for use in skiing downhill

a leading downhill contestant

attractive downhill trousers

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.