free fall

NOUN

rapid decline or descent

Synonyms

WEAK

collapse decline dive drop nosedive plummet plummeting plunge sag slump

Antonyms

WEAK

upturn

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Software and services stocks have been in free fall for weeks, dragging the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF to the lowest levels in nearly a year and more than 30% from its mid-September peak.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

At the same time, his stunning free fall might wind up making him surprisingly good value as a late-round pick for Cleveland.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

Someone offering you a higher fixed rate of interest on bonds, at a moment when the economy is in free fall, is someone offering you free money.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 24, 2025

He set a record for fastest free fall, descending 127,852 feet at 843.6 mph and becoming the first human to break the sound barrier without the assistance of a vehicle.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 18, 2025

The board must have sailed along with her, just below her feet for those terrifying seconds of free fall.

From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld