The term "U-shaped" describes a curve or object that resembles the letter "U." This shape is characterized by two sides that slope downward and then rise back up, creating a valley in the middle. You can find U-shaped designs in various contexts, such as in the layout of certain parks or in the structure of some bridges. In economics, "U-shaped" can refer to a type of graph that illustrates how certain variables behave over time. For example, a U-shaped recovery indicates that after a downturn, the economy initially struggles before gradually improving, resembling the U shape. This concept helps analysts understand economic trends and make predictions.