to steadily increase in size, intensity, or importance (also a synonym for a horse)
mount
to fall dramatically and suddenly, especially in financial or digital systems (often suggesting complete failure of such systems)
crash
violent disputes between states, groups, or communities, often involving military force
armed conflicts
to fall very quickly and steeply (2)
plummet, plunge
to decrease suddenly and often uncontrollably (can imply instability or the word can suggest clumsiness if used in a different context)
tumble
an extreme scarcity of food affecting large populations, often due to war or drought
famine
to increase extremely quickly or intensify in a short time (3)
skyrocket, escalate, mushroom
the state of not having enough resources to meet basic living needs
poverty
an international economic system dominated by private ownership and profit-oriented trade
global capitalism
to become greater than another in speed, amount, or success (4)
outpace, outstrip, surpass, overtake
to change frequently and unpredictably in amount or level
fluctuate
the average number of years a person is expected to live
life expectancy
to decrease gradually in number or amount until little remains
dwindle
to remain at a consistent level with little or no change (3)
level off, plateau, flatline
the increase in the number of people living in a specific area over time
population growth