fall into
phrasal verb
fell into; fallen into; falling into; falls into
1
: to go down quickly into (something)
She fell into the swimming pool.
2
: to pass to (a less active or less desirable state or condition)
This word has fallen into disuse.
His theories have now fallen into disrepute/disfavor.
The machinery has fallen into disrepair.
3
: to belong in (a particular category or range)
His creative output falls into three distinct categories.
4
: to be caught in (a trap)
We fell into a trap.
5
: to begin to do or experience (something) or to be affected by (something) without wanting or trying to
He fell deeply into debt.
She fell into her career almost accidentally.
She fell into the habit of going out for ice cream every night.
Examples of fall into in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Shark attacks generally appear to fall into three categories — predatory, accidental and defensive — though the reason behind any specific incident is often unclear, Lowe said.
—
Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
Taken out of service in the 1950s, it was partially demolished and fell into disrepair, later becoming a brownfield and Superfund site, contaminated with toxic chemicals.
—Elyssa Goodman, Them., 23 Dec. 2025
After fuming and throwing a trash can in the aftermath, Marty falls into a mental spiral.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
Investing in vintage decor will keep you from falling into trends, and these 14 picks will never go out of style.
—Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall into
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Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2025
Taken out of service in the 1950s, it was partially demolished and fell into disrepair, later becoming a brownfield and Superfund site, contaminated with toxic chemicals.
—Elyssa Goodman, Them., 23 Dec. 2025
After fuming and throwing a trash can in the aftermath, Marty falls into a mental spiral.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
Investing in vintage decor will keep you from falling into trends, and these 14 picks will never go out of style.
—Gabriela Izquierdo, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fall into
Cite this Entry
“Fall into.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fall%20into. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
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