Negative growth is defined as a decrease in economic activity, or a decrease in sales or earnings by a company over a certain period of time. This can refer to a decrease in GDP of a country or region, a decrease in income for individuals, or a decrease in a company's sales or profits. The decrease in activity may be due to numerous factors such as a decrease in consumer spending, a rise in unemployment, reduced investment by businesses, or increased taxes or regulations.

The Great Recession of 2008 is the most well known example of negative growth. During this period, the stock market and housing market crashed, leading to widespread economic upheaval. There was a dramatic decrease in consumer spending and investment, a massive increase in the unemployment rate, and a decrease in wages, leading to a contraction in economic activity and a decrease in economic output.

More recently, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has caused many countries to experience negative growth due to the implementation of lockdowns, quarantine measures, and other restrictions. This pause in economic activity has already had an impact on countries such as the United States, where consumer spending, investment, and employment levels have dropped significantly. As such, analysts have predicted the US is set to face a deep recession in 2020, leading to a dramatic drop in the economy’s GDP.

The negative effects of negative growth can be felt in both the short-term and long-term. In the short-term, businesses may experience decreases in sales, profits, and employee wages. This will have a big impact on people’s livelihoods, as businesses are forced to reduce staff levels and make cuts to wages. In the long-term, it can lead to decreases in economic growth, rising unemployment levels, reduced consumer spending, and decreased investment.

Negative growth is not necessarily a sign of an upcoming depression or recession. However, it is generally viewed as a warning sign by economists, as it indicates that an economy might be heading in that direction. Therefore, it is important for governments and individuals to take action to prevent a possible recession or depression before it takes hold. This may involve measures such as government stimulus packages, tax cuts, and increasing access to credit. In addition, businesses may need to reduce their overhead costs and invest in new technologies that will help them remain competitive in the face of declining demand.