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  1. Home /
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  3. English Dictionary /
  4. be in a slump

be in a slump

/bi ɪn ə slʌmp/◆idiom
experiencing a low period

After the holidays, sales are in a slump.

Sales have dropped and are performing poorly.


informal

to be in a period of reduced activity, productivity, or morale

The writer has been in a slump for months and can't finish the manuscript.

The writer is struggling with low motivation and output.

Commonly used for business performance, personal motivation, or mood.

Collocations

in a slumpexperiencing a downturn

Synonyms

in a rutdownturnlow period

Antonyms

thrivingflourishingon a roll

Related Phrases

hit a low pointidiom
reach the lowest level of performance or mood

Word Origin

First recorded in the early 19th century from the noun 'slump' meaning a sudden fall or decline; later extended metaphorically to describe a decline in performance or spirit.

Usage Notes

Often paired with nouns like sales, productivity, mood; can be used with time expressions (e.g., 'in a slump this quarter').

English Dictionary
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Words of the Year

The most notable words that defined each year. Discover the vocabulary that shaped our world.