downward spiral; vicious circle
Describes a self-reinforcing negative cycle where one bad event leads to another, making the situation progressively worse. Often used in economic, psychological, or social contexts.
Antonyms: 正のスパイラル
The recession and deflation are causing a downward spiral.
I fell into a vicious circle where lack of sleep caused stress, which in turn made it even harder to sleep.
virtuous cycle; upward spiral
Compound of 負 (negative) and スパイラル (spiral), a direct calque from English 'negative spiral' or 'downward spiral'.