A downward spiral is a spiral that is going downwards. it can represent depression or a very bad time in someones life.
And it's a meme

Downward spiral.
Downward spiral.

Downward spiral.

Downward spiral.

Downward spiral.

Downward spiral.
Kate: 'hey jack! how are you?'
Jack: 'not so good, my life is going into a downwards spiral filled with misery and pain.'
Kate: 'oh cool me too.'
by GenericHuman73559 January 29, 2018
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A conceptual album and the second studio album released by Nine Inch Nails in May of 1994. It revolves around an unidentified man who basically goes on a "downward spiral" essentially, or path to eventual and imminent self-destruction.
It went quadruple platinum, and was deemed (I can't, for the life of me, remember who said this) "The bleakest platinum album probably ever released."
The Downward Spiral basically put Nine Inch Nails on the map in the 90s.
by VitalyKimiSebNirvana May 7, 2012
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This term describes a depressive state where the person experiencing the downward spiral is getting more and more depressed, perhaps due to causes unknown. It is called a downward spiral because there is no way to stop it, its just going to get worse and worse... until the person crashes, and maybe finds their way back to happiness.
"I don't know what's causing it, but I just want to warn you that I'm on the downward spiral."
"seriously? I hope everything is ok."

or

"I hate my fucking job, my wife is cheating on me, and the only thing keeping me sane is my job with this new startup company that is slowly running out of money for us..."
by the babe July 11, 2005
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A state of continuous or coninthing depression that may or may never end
"Emperor Lemon has been on a downward spiral mentally, and now he's completely lost it." - Stuart "Keemstar" Reilly
by VD Peruvian October 23, 2016
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A blantantly sexual, profane, beautiful Concept Album by Trent Reznor, aka, Nine Inch Nails. It might be the best CD by Trent Reznor.
The Downward Spiral is most likely my favorite CD by NIN.
by funkfunk July 21, 2006
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1. When somebody goes into a downward state of depression and (maybe) finds their way back up.

2. A Nine Inch Nails album.
1. Ohh, man, i feel like shit today. I think i'm on the downward spiral.

2. I am a big man, yes I am, and i've got a big gun. Got me a big ol' dick and i, i like to have fun.
by Phantom The Unknown April 24, 2012
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