1. a downward current of air
Usage: meteorology
2. a decline in economic activity or performance
Usage: business; economics

Examples

• The airplane encountered a severe downdraft during the storm.
• Pilots must be prepared for sudden downdrafts near mountains.
• The thunderstorm created powerful downdrafts that reached the ground.
• The company’s profits suffered from the economic downdraft.
• A downdraft in the housing market affected home sales.
• The chimney design prevents downdrafts from entering the room.