What is it called when economic growth is negative for a period of 6 months?

When economic growth becomes negative for a period of six months, this situation is termed a recession. A recession is characterized by a decline in gross domestic product (GDP) for two consecutive quarters, reflecting a slowdown in economic activity. During a recession, various economic indicators such as investment, consumer spending, and employment rates typically decline, which can lead to increased unemployment and lower consumer confidence.

In contrast, economic growth refers to a period when an economy is expanding and the GDP is increasing. The business cycle represents the fluctuations of economic activity over time, including periods of expansion and recession, but does not specifically define a decline in growth. Expansion, on the other hand, refers to a phase of the business cycle where the economy is growing. Thus, the terminology used to describe a continuous negative growth period aligns specifically with the definition of recession.