Pronunciation: [nˈə͡ʊzda͡ɪvz] (IPA) 
The word "nosedives" is a verb that refers to abrupt downward drops or plunges. It is spelled as /ˈnoʊzˌdaɪvz/, which can be broken down phonetically as "nohz-dahyvz." The "o" and "e" are pronounced separately as the "o" has an "oh" sound and the "e" has an "eh" sound. The "z" sound is also pronounced as "z" rather than "s" because it follows a vowel sound. This spelling reflects how the word is commonly pronounced in English.
Nosedives, as a noun, refers to the significant and sudden decline or plummet of something, such as prices, values, or performances. It is commonly used to describe a sharp downturn or drop-off in the level or quality of a certain aspect or situation. This term is derived from the image of an airplane rapidly descending with its nose pointed downwards, denoting a loss of control or stability.
When used to describe financial matters, nosedives often pertain to a sudden decrease in the value of stock prices, currencies, or other investments. These downturns can occur as a result of various factors, such as economic instability, market volatility, or the release of negative news or reports.
Furthermore, nosedives can be employed to portray a steep deterioration in the performance or success of a person, team, or organization. For instance, in the context of sports, if a team experiences a series of consecutive losses or fails to meet expectations, it can be said to be in a nosedive. Similarly, when discussing the decline in the popularity or ratings of a TV show, the term nosedive may be used.
Overall, nosedives capture the notion of a steep and sudden decline or deterioration, indicating a loss of control or a significant negative shift in a given situation or aspect.
The word nosedive originated in the early 20th century and is a compound word formed by combining nose (referring to the forward part of an aircraft) and dive (meaning a rapid descent). The term was initially used to describe a sharp and abrupt downward movement, often in reference to an aircraft's sudden descent. Over time, the term nosedive has been figuratively extended to describe any sudden and significant decline or decrease, not limited to aviation. The plural form, nosedives, is derived by adding the regular plural suffix -s to the word nosedive.
