Trend Definition & Meaning | YourDictionary (2024)

FAQs

What is the definition of a trend? ›

1. : a general direction of change : a way of behaving, proceeding, etc., that is developing and becoming more common. the downward/upward trend of the stock market. Digital technology is the latest/current trend in television.

Streaking (running naked) on college campuses, the widespread use of cocaine in the 1980s, and playing hacky sack all qualify as crazes. Finally, fads that pertain to styles of dress or manners are generally termed fashion trends.

A trend is what's hip or popular at a certain point in time. While a trend usually refers to a certain style in fashion or entertainment, there could be a trend toward warmer temperatures (if people are following trends associated with global warming).

First, a definition: A trend is a prevailing tendency that is gradually gaining momentum and might have long-term implications. It's different from a fad, which is a short-term burst of interest or way of being. The fact that more people are working from home is a trend.

Entrepreneurs should observe at least four types of trends—economic, social, technological and regulatory—to identify business opportunities and grow their startups. By paying close attention to economic trends, they can identify areas that are ripe for new ideas.

A trend is the overall direction of a market or an asset's price. In technical analysis, trends are identified by trendlines or price action that highlight when the price is making higher swing highs and higher swing lows for an uptrend, or lower swing lows and lower swing highs for a downtrend.

Some common synonyms of trend are current, drift, tendency, and tenor. While all these words mean "movement in a particular direction," trend applies to the general direction maintained by a winding or irregular course.

The purpose of conducting a trends analysis is to see what's likely to happen before it happens so you can avoid potential dangers and take advantage of potential opportunities.

What are the basic types of trends? ›

The three basic types of trends are up, down, and sideways. An uptrend is marked by an overall increase in price. Nothing moves straight up for long, so there will always be oscillations, but the overall direction needs to be higher.

Four common types of changes and trends that offer business opportunities are demographics, inventions and technology, lifestyle, and style and entertainment.

Trends have long staying power and enjoy a long period of popularity. Trends are popularly accepted by many industries and people. A trend is rooted on the people's cultural traditions, beliefs, and values. A trend persists and continues because people have seen it as part of a society's culture.

Stage 4: Downtrends

The breakdown marks the start of the Stage 4 downtrend, when sellers control price action, often dropping securities to depressed levels unanticipated by optimistic bulls. Disillusionment and loss of faith characterize this uncomfortable period, which can take a long time to work through the system.