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

But home values are not in a free fall.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 7, 2025

Walmart shares continued their free fall, and executives made an unplanned exit from the stage to regroup before returning to take questions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

Yet, as we approach this milestone, we find ourselves not in a moment of reflection or rededication, but in a state of legal free fall.

From Slate • Jul. 16, 2025

The accelerating free fall created tremendous g-force, which Powers felt as crushing weight on his body, making every movement a battle.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin