slip
スイスの研究機関「世界経済フォーラム」(WEF)による国際競争力調査の結果が公表され、日本は前年より順位を3つ下げて9位に転落してしまいました。
slipはカタカナでも使われておなじみの単語です。確かにここでは間違いなく「転落する」が適訳でしょうが、その意味合いはどうなのでしょうか。Websterを引きますと "to fall off from a standard or accustomed level by degrees"という定義があり、同義語としてdeclineを挙げています。とてもイヤなことですが、こうした文脈に用いられるslipには「かつて保っていた水準から転げ落ちる」、「衰退」という意味合いが含まれるのです。(UG)
Japan slips in global competitiveness rankings
Japan slipped one spot in this year’s global competitiveness rankings, to 10th place, with one of the reasons being the poor assessment of its public debt standing, according to an announcement made by the World Economic Forum on Wednesday.
Switzerland remained number one on the list for the fourth year in a row, while Singapore kept the second place, Kyodo reported. South Korea gained five places to 19th spot, while China fell three places to 29th spot.
United States occupied the ninth place, two spots below last year’s performance.
WEF’s Global Competitiveness Report 2012-2013 was compiled by taking into account 12 criteria, like business environment and educational standards, and by interviewing business managers.
http://www.tokyotimes.com/2012/japan-slips-in-global-competitiveness-rankings/