Bust
BUST
/bʌst/
A period of sudden and severe economic decline, often following a boom.
A 'bust' implies a sharp, often unexpected, and significant downturn, typically associated with the end of an unsustainable 'boom.' It's more dramatic than a typical 'recession.'
The story behind the word. The word 'bust' in its economic sense is a variant of 'burst,' which comes from Old English 'berstan,' meaning 'to break suddenly.' The idea of something 'bursting' or 'breaking' led to its use in the mid-19th century to describe a sudden financial failure or collapse, particularly after a period of rapid, often speculative, growth.
Word relationships
- crash: A sudden and catastrophic fall, often used for stock markets.
- collapse: A general term for a sudden failure or breakdown.
- boom: A period of rapid economic growth and prosperity.
- expansion: A phase of the business cycle characterized by increasing economic activity.
Commonly confused with
- Recession: A recession is a technical term for a decline in GDP; a bust is a more dramatic and often sudden collapse, usually following an unsustainable boom.
Collocations
- economic bust
- dot-com bust
- housing bust
- boom and bust cycle
- go bust
Idioms & expressions
- boom and bust
- go bust
Example sentences
- "The dot-com bust of the early 2000s saw many internet companies collapse after years of speculative growth." Discussing market cycles.
- "After the speculative boom in real estate, the inevitable bust left many homeowners in financial ruin." A historical account.
Memory hook
Think of a bubble 'bursting' after a 'boom' – the economy goes 'bust.' Bubble Bursts
When not to use
Avoid using 'bust' for minor setbacks or gradual declines; it implies a sudden and severe collapse.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'boom and bust' highlights the volatile, cyclical nature of certain economic sectors or the economy as a whole.
- The term 'bust' is also used informally to mean 'bankrupt' or 'out of money,' as in 'I'm bust.'
Related words
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