nosediving

Nosediving is a term used to describe a rapid and steep downward plunge, most commonly associated with aircraft. When an aircraft nosedives, its nose pitches down significantly, causing it to descend at a sharp angle and high velocity. This can occur due to a variety of factors, including mechanical failure, pilot disorientation, or adverse aerodynamic conditions. In aviation, a nosedive is a dangerous situation that pilots are trained to recover from if possible. The forces experienced during a nosedive can be extreme, making control difficult.

The term "nosediving" has also been adopted metaphorically to describe any rapid and uncontrolled decline or collapse in a non-aviation context. For instance, a company's stock price might be described as nosediving if it experiences a sudden and significant drop. Similarly, a project or an economy could be said to be nosediving if it deteriorates rapidly. The core idea remains consistent: a swift and steep descent from a previously higher or more stable state.