Definition:
A crypto bear market is where prices are falling in the cryptocurrency market and are expected to continue to fall.
In a bear crypto market, investor sentiment is generally negative, and investors may be less likely to buy assets in the expectation that prices will continue to fall. This can create a self-fulfilling cycle, as decreased buying can lead to lower prices, which can further fuel selling.
Bear markets are most notably characterized by investor pessimism, less risk-taking, and the contraction of cryptocurrency projects within the space. As part of any market cycle, it's necessary to also be aware that bull markets will eventually turn into bear markets, in which prices are falling or expected to fall.
The term "bear market" is often used in contrast to "bull market" which refers to a market in which prices are increasing or are expected to increase.
Within the cryptocurrency space due to its high volatility, it can make it difficult to predict whether the market is in a bull or bear market (at any given time).