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

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

Once the backbone of U.S. power generation, coal’s share of the mix has been in free fall since the mid-2000s. —Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

According to Thamel's conversations with several teams, Sanders' free fall could largely be attributed to the evaluation of his talent. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2025

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