The term "downward trend" refers to a general decline or decrease in something over time. It can be used to describe various phenomena, such as economic indicators like GDP growth, stock market performance, or employment rates. In these cases, the phrase indicates that the economy is experiencing a period of contraction and negative growth. The term "downward trend" can also refer to broader social or cultural shifts, where it suggests a decline in popularity, acceptance, or usage of something over time.