 ##  [Infinite Descent](/infinite-descent) 

  ##  [Infinite Descent](https://mathlogic.quantumdictionary.io/infinite-descent-0) 

  
 [![Mathematics & Logic Dictionary](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/Mathematics%20%26%20Logic.png.webp?itok=UhtTRPnp)](/topic-specific-dictionaries/natural-formal-sciences/mathematics-logic)

- Natural &amp; Formal Sciences -

**Mathematics &amp; Logic Dictionary**

 
Definition

A proof technique that derives a contradiction by assuming a minimal counterexample in a well-ordered domain (typically the positive integers) and then constructing a strictly smaller counterexample ad infinitum, contradicting minimality.