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

The recent free fall in software stocks has spilled over to the chip sector, and a Bank of America analyst says the selling doesn’t make sense.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 4, 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

Still, there is no denying that, like all awards shows, the Emmys are in a ratings free fall.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 10, 2025

White sheets of wind blasted in every direction, scattering the lifeboats, lifting me out of my free fall and propelling me across the ocean.

From "The Sea of Monsters" by Rick Riordan