discesa
/diʃˈʃe.za/
The English word "comedown" can be translated into Italian as discesa.
discesa can refer to a literal physical descent, but it is also used figuratively to describe a sudden drop in status, fortune or a metaphorical comedown.
Meaning: sudden drop to a lower status, condition or level, a disappointment or letdown (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
discesa is a noun derived from the verb scendere (to go down or descend) and it literally means a descent or a downward slope.
Which one should you use?
While discesa is used for a metaphorical comedown, you might use caduta to mean a "fall" or abbattimento to express "despondency".
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /diʃˈʃe.za/.
Did you know?
- While discesa describes a metaphorical comedown, Italians use the related verb scendere to describe the physical act of getting off a bus, train or tram.
- In Italian sports and skiing, a discesa is not just a comedown but is the official term for a 'downhill' race event.
- The word discesa is used to describe the 'downhill' section of a road, but in some regional contexts it can specifically refer to a steep alleyway in a historic town.
Examples in context
- Il calo successivo all'assunzione di droghe può causare sensazioni di depressione e irritabilità.The comedown following drug use can cause feelings of depression and irritability.
- Dopo quel successo, la discesa è stata rapidissima.After that success, the comedown was very rapid.
- Non siamo pronti per questa discesa di livello.We are not ready for this drop in status.
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are discussing a famous athlete's recent loss of popularity.
- MartinaHai visto come è finita per lui?Did you see how it ended for him?
- MatteoSì, una discesa davvero incredibile.Yes, a truly incredible comedown.
- MartinaMatteo, è davvero triste da vedere.Matteo, it is really sad to see.
- MatteoPurtroppo è la realtà del mondo.Unfortunately, that is the reality of the world.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry discesa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
