3N-SING (形势的)恶化;(人的)堕落,沦落 When you want to emphasize that a situation becomes very bad, you can talk about someone's or something's descent into that situation. (形势的)恶化;(人的)堕落,沦落 [emphasis]
The only lasting solution lies in a political settlement. Without it, their descent into chaos will be guaranteed.
唯一的长久之计是通过政治手段解决。否则,他们势必会陷入一片混乱。
...his swift descent from respected academic to struggling small businessman. [+ from/to]
4N-UNCOUNT [usu of adj N]血统;家世;出身 You use descent to talk about a person's family background, for example their nationality or social status. 血统;家世;出身 [formal]