Descent (noun)

1. The act or process of moving downwards, especially from a higher to a lower position.
2. The fact or process of being descended from a particular ancestor or type of ancestor.
3. A downward slope or decline, especially in quality, status, or power.
4. A path or route leading downwards, especially a staircase.

Origin:

Late middle english: from old french descente, from descendre 'to descend' (see descend).

Examples:

1. The descent down the mountain was steep and challenging.
2. His descent from royalty was evident in his manners and bearing.
3. The company experienced a rapid descent into bankruptcy.
4. The descent into the underground chamber was by a spiral staircase.
5. The descent of the asteroid towards the Earth was monitored by astronomers.