0 If someone or something experiences ups and downs, a mixture of good and bad things happens to him, her, or it: --
1 good and bad things that happen to someone or something during a period: --
the ups and downs of marriage
Suggesting that unemployment developments only follow economic ups and downs, and the resulting variations in the demand for labour, would be to judge on the basis of an incomplete picture.
If anyone knew about life's ups and downs, he certainly did, and a roller-coaster was an apt metaphor for his life and work.
Post-conflict democratisation is a process with many ups and downs.
Using the same procedure on a flat piece, the 'basic idea' would only come out as 'lots of random ups and downs'.
We all tidy up music history too quickly and like to smooth out its ups and downs.
Although only the most sophisticated evaluate and forecast the economy with precision, nearly all individuals should notice economic ups and downs.
The 'neumatic' notation shows the ups and downs of the melody, but not how far up or down the singer should go.
It is just part of family life which has its ups and downs.
