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

ˈfrē-ˌfȯl 

intransitive verb

Examples of free fall in a Sentence

Sales were in free fall.

Recent Examples on the Web

In the aftermath of the 12-Day War, Iran’s currency entered a free fall, exacerbated by the imposition in September of new international sanctions. —Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026

But with the country’s economy in free fall, his government had little choice but to back away from its Marxist orthodoxies. —Quico Toro, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026

There’s a maddening human truth tucked into the fact that everyone — from Lebedev’s forceful, hopeful young daughter Sasha (Maya Shoham) to the lout Borkin, whom Labbadia embodies irresistibly as a kind of Bronx-y hustler — is drawn to this man in free fall. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Mar. 2026

Stavros Halkias has joined the cast of Glen Powell‘s upcoming comedy movie about a country music star in free fall, directed by Judd Apatow. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for free fall

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

Kids Definition

free-fall

noun

ˈfrē-ˈfȯl

: a condition of falling freely (as before opening one's parachute)

Medical Definition

free fall

noun

-ˌfȯl 

: the condition of unrestrained motion in a gravitational field

also : such motion