He must restore plummeting international confidence without bringing on a needlessly severe contraction.

This caused severe contractions in manufacturing and housing, which were dependent on the availability of consumer credit.

More severe contractions, where the eyelid completely closes, are possible.

British goods became increasingly uncompetitive and the country's manufacturing sector suffered a severe contraction.

"Alan Greenspan has no wish to become the scapegoat for a severe economic contraction."

Beleaguered Eastern, meanwhile, is working on a comeback after a period of severe contraction.

The Rowan asked, panting with relief as a particularly severe contraction ended.

The financial crisis now also starts to impinge on the real economy and we have a very severe contraction of growth and trade.

Oh, my God, look, look, Max said after a particularly severe contraction.

This marks a positive upturn for the industry which had suffered severe contraction since 2007 across almost all areas.