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

Trudeau leaves the Canadian economy in shambles, with a dollar in free fall that hasn't been valued this low in years. —Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025

The majority of the legacy studios are in free fall, and there are only so many children of billionaires to go around. —Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Jan. 2025

The New York Rangers are in free fall after trading captain Jacob Trouba this month and waiving fourth-line glue guy Barclay Goodrow in the offseason. —Kevin Kurz, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024

Friday Enjoy free fall fun — including pumpkin-carving and a pumpkin patch — at the Halloween Bash at the Tower of the Americas from 7-11pm. —Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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