slippery slope

noun

: a course of action that seems to lead inevitably from one action or result to another with unintended consequences

Examples of slippery slope in a Sentence

His behavior will lead him down a slippery slope to ruin.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Last week, the California Senate Appropriations Commmittee advanced Assembly Bill 1383, legislation which will enable yet another slippery slope to high government pension costs and crowd-out of public services. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 18 Aug. 2026 History shows that presidents who intensify wars in pursuit of a way out, or to protect their own prestige or America’s reputation, descend a slippery slope. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 Banner warns that judging which evolutionary traits are good or bad is an ethical slippery slope. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 31 July 2026 Of thinking there was any other path but the slippery slope to begin with. — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 24 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for slippery slope

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slippery slope was in 1951

Rhymes for slippery slope

See All Rhymes for slippery slope

Browse Nearby Words

slippery slide
slippery slope
slip plane
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Slippery slope.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slippery%20slope. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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