A severe, extended period of decline in business activity.

商业活动严重减少并且长时间没有好转。

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This is also used to describe a sudden or sharp fall or decline in value (or in business activity), although not so dramatic. The image is of someone collapsing heavily onto a soft chair.

这也是一个用来描述突然下降或价值降低(商业活动)的词，如同一个人重重地跌进沙发里。

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The U.S. non-manufacturing ISM came in better than expected at 53.7 in May from 53.5 in April, driven by strong new orders and business activity that were offset partially by a decline in the employment index.

FORBES: Global Business Confidence Falls To 2008 Levels

Analysts expect a burst of business activity in the fourth quarter as companies add to their inventories, followed by a sharp decline in buying during the first three months of 2000.

CNN: Page 4

The Philadelphia Federal Reserve's February index of business activity, an indicator of business conditions for manufacturers in the region, posted a surprise decline to -12.5, while a positive reading had been expected.

WSJ: Stocks Extend Declines