steep descent
Precipitous downward slope
A steep descent is a sharp downward slope or rapid drop in elevation.
The phrase applies literally to terrain—a mountain trail's steep descent toward the valley—and figuratively to decline: The company's steep descent into bankruptcy shocked investors.
In aviation, a steep descent is a controlled rapid loss of altitude.
- plungeSudden steep descent
- dropFall or release
- free fallUnimpeded gravitational descent
- cliffVertical rock wall
- freefallUnimpeded downward motion
precipice · death drop · dive · drop off · slope · ski slope · black diamond · plummet · vertical · gradient · pitch · tumble · ravine · decline · downward spiral · sheer · downhill · cascade
- cliff walkscoastal path, sea views, cliff edge, viewpoint, lookout point
- thrillsroller coasters, thrill, adrenaline, skydiving, bungee jump
- Off-Road Trailsjeep trail, ATV trail, dirt road, fire road, forest trail
- bush flyingbush pilot, bush plane, backcountry, taildragger, floatplane
gradient/slope angle
steep descentgentle incline
gradual decline · gentle slope · flat terrain · level ground · plateau
steep, steeply, steepness, steeper, steepest, descent, descents, descend, descends