What does nosedive mean?
A nosedive is a sudden, steep plunge, most famously used for an aircraft descending sharply with its nose pointed downward. The term can also describe a dramatic fall in prices, markets, fortunes, or other measures, and it is commonly used metaphorically in business and economic reporting. As a verb, to nosedive means to plunge suddenly and steeply. The image is especially vivid because it evokes a bird or aircraft dropping headfirst toward the ground. Although “dive” can describe an intentional or controlled descent, a nosedive usually suggests speed, steepness, and often a loss of control or an alarming decline. The compound combines “nose,” emphasizing the downward orientation, with “dive,” making the nature of the plunge immediately understandable.
A sudden, steep downward plunge, especially by an aircraft, or a sharp decline in prices, markets, or other measures.
"The aircraft went into a nosedive and dropped rapidly toward the runway."
The figurative sense is common in financial, economic, and general reporting.
To plunge suddenly and steeply, as though moving nose-first; to undergo a sharp decline.
"The shares nosedived after the company issued a profit warning."
The regular plural is used for individual plunges or sharp declines.
"The market recorded several nosedives during the trading session."
A nosedive is the dramatic downward plunge in which an aircraft points its nose toward the ground like a falling bird.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does nosedive come from?
“Nosedive” was formed in the early 20th century by combining “nose” with the noun “dive,” initially describing a steep downward flight by an aircraft. Its sense later broadened to include sharp economic and abstract declines. “Nose” comes through Old English from Latin nasus, while “dive” entered English from Old English dyfan.
Related word forms
How nosedive is actually used
Figurative uses commonly describe a rapid and serious decline, especially in prices, markets, fortunes, or performance. The verb often suggests an abrupt, uncontrolled fall. It is neutral in register but can convey alarm or spectacle.
Easily confused with nosedive
A dive can be a deliberate downward movement, whereas a nosedive specifically implies a sudden, steep plunge, often uncontrolled or alarming.