downward pressure

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   A force or influence that makes something decrease or fall, especially prices, wages, or rates.

   Grammar: Uncountable; usually followed by 'on' to name what is affected: downward pressure on costs.

   Patterns

   • downward pressure on something
   • put downward pressure on something
   • exert downward pressure on something

   Cheap imports are putting downward pressure on local prices.

   The new tax is expected to create downward pressure on consumer spending.

   There is downward pressure on wages in the manufacturing sector.

2. 2noununcountabletechnical

   A physical force that pushes something toward the ground or a lower level.

   Grammar: Used in technical contexts; often with 'on' or 'against'.

   Patterns

   • downward pressure on something
   • exert downward pressure

   The bridge collapsed under the downward pressure of the heavy trucks.

   Engineers measured the downward pressure on the foundation.

Common combinations

put downward pressure on

The strong currency put downward pressure on exports.

create downward pressure

A surplus of goods can create downward pressure on prices.

exert downward pressure

The central bank exerted downward pressure on interest rates.

downward pressure on wages

High unemployment led to downward pressure on wages.

Synonyms and how they differ

downward force

More physical and literal; 'downward pressure' is often figurative in economics.

deflationary pressure

Specifically about falling prices; 'downward pressure' is broader and can apply to wages or rates.

Opposites

Word family

downward adverb

Moving or leading toward a lower place or level.

pressure noun

The force or influence itself.

Commonly confused: downward pressure or upward pressure?

Practice

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