downwardly
In sinking direction
Downwardly means in a downward direction or manner.
The word appears almost exclusively in the phrase downwardly mobile, describing someone whose economic or social status is declining—the opposite of upwardly mobile.
Outside this fixed expression, downwardly is rare; downward typically serves the same function.
Downward slope or lineage
- slopeAngled terrain or steepness
- dropFall or release
- fallDescend under gravity
- plungeSudden steep descent
dip · plummet · sink · decline · tumble · descend · lower · downgrade
Become or make smaller
- reductionMaking something smaller
- cutbackPlanned reduction in spending
- downturnEconomic decline period
- declineDecrease or refuse
shrinkage · contraction · downsize · slash · curtailment · retrenchment · depreciation · deflation
Decrease gradually
subside · recede · taper · dwindle · weaken · attenuate · abate · decrease
Gradual organic breakdown
- declineDecrease or refuse
- degradationDecline in condition
- worseningBecoming more severe
- erosionGradual wearing away
atrophy · crumble · rot · disintegration · corrosion · dilapidation · breakdown · collapse
Total absence of hope
- gloomPervasive dimness or dejection
- melancholySubdued, lasting sadness
- despondentDeeply discouraged, hopeless
- dejectedLow in spirits
downcast · crestfallen · dispirited · disheartened · low · sunken · depressed · downhearted
descent
Downward slope or lineage
plunge · dip · plummet · sink · decline · tumble · descend · lower · downgrade · gravity
decrease
Become or make smaller
- reductionMaking something smaller
- cutbackPlanned reduction in spending
- downturnEconomic decline period
decline · shrinkage · contraction · downsize · slash · curtailment · retrenchment · depreciation · deflation · downgrade
wane
Decrease gradually
lessen · subside · recede · taper · dwindle · weaken · attenuate · abate · decrease · decline
decay
Gradual organic breakdown
- declineDecrease or refuse
- degradationDecline in condition
- worseningBecoming more severe
erosion · atrophy · crumble · rot · disintegration · corrosion · dilapidation · breakdown · collapse · devolution
despair
Total absence of hope
- gloomPervasive dimness or dejection
- melancholySubdued, lasting sadness
- despondentDeeply discouraged, hopeless
dejected · downcast · crestfallen · dispirited · disheartened · low · sunken · depressed · downhearted · blue