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An economic slump is a time when a country's economy is in a bad state, with many businesses closing down - leading to higher unemployment. In this context, 'slump' is also used to describe a drop in a business or business sector.

The real-estate industry suffered a big slump in the first two quarters of last year.

The verb 'slump' also carries the same connotation: when prices, sales or values of something slump, they fall suddenly.

The sales of imported furniture slumped dramatically after higher taxes on luxury items were imposed.

The value of the antique picture slumped sharply after a rumour that it might be a fake.

With a similar quick downward movement, we also describe a person who sits or falls suddenly or quickly.

Finishing all the tidying up after the New Year's party, an exhausted Lucy slumped into her bed.

When used as an adjective, it describes the posture of a person who drops his/her head low with the shoulders forward; a posture of someone unhappy, ill or cold.

 

Billy's slumped posture looked pitiful.

Now let's look at the word 'self-inflicted'. This adjective is made up of two words - 'self' and 'inflicted'. 'To inflict' is to force someone to go through something very unpleasant. 'Self' here serves as a prefix. When combined to form an adjective, it describes something that one does by oneself or to oneself. So all in all, 'self-inflicted' is something bad or unpleasant that you have done to yourself.

The man appeared to have self-inflicted injuries; he cut himself all over his body.

 

Now let's go back to our headline before we forget; Japan slump 'self-inflicted' means the slump in Japan's economy was caused by the country's own actions.

Complete the sentences with the words explained:

1. The cleaner found the old lady … in her armchair and called the ambulance.

2. His failure to get a seat at a university is purely … ; he played truant and mixed with the wrong people.

3. Abigail … on the sofa after hearing that her son had smashed her new car.

4. The public disposal tip caused a … in the price of land around it.

5. High oil prices have caused a … in domestic tourism.

Answers: 1. slumped, 2. self-inflicted, 3. slumped, 4. slump, 5. slump

By Parnsap Yomanage