free fall

noun

1
: the condition of unrestrained motion in a gravitational field
also : such motion
2
a
: the part of a parachute jump before the parachute opens
b
: a rapid and continuing drop or decline
a free fall in stock prices
free-fall intransitive verb

Examples of free fall in a Sentence

Sales were in free fall.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But a disappointing loss to Sergio Martínez in 2012, lack of discipline needed to train properly and make weight, as well as a crushing defeat to Álvarez in 2017, sent his career into a free fall. Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2025 By the numbers: Pittsburgh manufacturing employment peaked in the 1950s with about 380,000 jobs, but began to decline shortly after and has been in a virtual free fall ever since. Ryan Deto, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025 While Cadillac grows domestically, Cadillac's sales in China — its largest market for years until 2024 — have been in free fall. Michael Wayland, CNBC, 5 May 2025 The Angels have been in free fall over the last three weeks, going 4-14 and losing six in a row. Sam Blum, New York Times, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for free fall

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of free fall was in 1851

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Free fall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20fall. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

free-fall

noun
ˈfrē-ˈfȯl
: a condition of falling freely (as before opening one's parachute)

Medical Definition

free fall

noun
: the condition of unrestrained motion in a gravitational field
also : such motion

More from Merriam-Webster on free fall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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