downdraft

/ˈdau̇n-ˌdraft/ (ame, mw)

downdraft — noun

1. a current of air or gas that moves downward, especially one that occurs during a

1.名詞B1
釋義

a current of air or gas that moves downward, especially one that occurs during a thunderstorm, near a mountain, or around a large fire

例句

The pilot warned passengers about a sudden downdraft as the plane approached the mountain range.

collocation: sudden downdraft

During the thunderstorm, a powerful downdraft knocked down several trees along the highway.

collocation: powerful downdraft

同義詞
  • downburst

    a very strong, concentrated downdraft that spreads out when it hits the ground, usually during a storm

  • air current

    a broader term for any moving air, without specifying direction

反義詞
  • updraft

    a current of air moving upward

文法句型

a + downdraft

downdraft + of + noun

用法筆記

Commonly used in weather forecasts and aviation safety reports. A downdraft is the opposite of an updraft.

常見錯誤

❌The plane hit a downfall during the storm.
✅The plane hit a downdraft during the storm.
💡'downfall' means a loss of success or power, not a movement of air.

2. a period when something such as the economy, a company, or someone's situation b

2.名詞B2
釋義

a period when something such as the economy, a company, or someone's situation becomes worse or drops to a lower level

例句

The housing market experienced a sharp downdraft after interest rates went up.

collocation: sharp downdraft

The Watanabe family's finances went into a downdraft after Mr. Watanabe lost his job.

pattern: go into a downdraft

同義詞
  • downturn

    more common and less dramatic than 'downdraft'; standard term for economic decline

  • slump

    a more severe and prolonged period of decline, especially in business or sales

  • decline

    a general and neutral term for any decrease or worsening

反義詞
  • upturn

    a period of improvement or increase, especially in the economy or business

  • recovery

    a return to a better state after a period of decline

文法句型

a + downdraft

downdraft + in + noun

go into a downdraft

用法筆記

This sense is more common in American English than British English (where 'downturn' is preferred for economic contexts). It is frequently used in financial journalism and business writing.

常見錯誤

❌The economy entered a downfall last year.
✅The economy entered a downdraft last year.
💡'downfall' refers to a complete loss of power or position, while 'downdraft' describes a period of decline that may be temporary.