Alakulma

Alakulma is a Finnish noun used to describe a downturn or decline. It functions in both economic and everyday contexts, referring to periods of deteriorating conditions as well as to moods or motivational slumps in individuals.

In economic usage, alakulma denotes a contraction phase of the business cycle. It implies negative or shrinking economic activity, such as lower GDP, reduced investment, and softer consumer demand. It is generally less technical than taantuma (recession) and is commonly found in media reports and public discourse to indicate a downturn without stipulating a formal technical definition. The term can describe shorter, milder declines as well as broader periods of worsening economic sentiment.

In everyday language, alakulma also conveys a mood-related decline. It can describe a stretch of low energy, reduced motivation, or general gloom, distinct from clinical depression but still affecting daily functioning and mood. The word captures a qualitative sense of softness or deterioration in outlook, whether personal, social, or professional.

Usage notes: Alakulma is widely understood in Finland and appears in dictionaries as a general term for decline or downturn. In more formal economic writing, taantuma or laskukausi might be used to specify a recessionary period, whereas alakulma remains common in journalistic and conversational Finnish.

See also: taantuma, lama, laskukausi, talouskriisi.