What is a tailspin?

A tailspin refers to a rapid, uncontrolled descent of an aircraft, typically caused by a loss of lift and an inability to regain control. In a broader context, it can also describe a situation where someone or something is in a chaotic or deteriorating state, often due to a series of misfortunes or poor decisions. The term conveys a sense of instability and crisis, whether in aviation or in life circumstances.