glow-down
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
A disappointing or undesirable transformation in appearance, talent, power, etc.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Whilst some amongst us have risen like a sartorial phoenix from the ashes of lockdown, others (myself included) have experienced more of a glow-down than a glow-up. Jeans and a jumper have become de rigueur, while out of the house ventures have the air of a frenzied dip into the fancy dress box.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “glow-down” mean?
A disappointing or undesirable transformation in appearance, talent, power, etc.
Is “glow-down” formal or informal?
glow-down is generally slang.