1 C1 idiomatic neutral
to worsen steadily and become difficult or impossible to control
"Without support, his anxiety began to spiral out of control."
inseparable
spiral out
C1 neutral inseparable intransitive
to become increasingly out of control in a worsening pattern
In plain English
to get worse and worse until it is hard to stop
What does "spiral out" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to move outward in a spiral shape
Actually means
to get worse and worse until it is hard to stop
Usage tip
Often used for emotions, finances, health, violence, and situations that worsen step by step.
Words that pair with "spiral out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
control debt anxiety violence situation costs
How to conjugate "spiral out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
spiral out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
spirals out
he/she/it
Past simple
spiraled out
yesterday
Past participle
spiraled out
have + pp
-ing form
spiraling out
continuous
Hear "spiral out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "spiral out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "spiral out"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
escalate get out of control run wild snowball worsen rapidly
Keep exploring
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