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

This is a group that’s not that far removed from a 108-point season in 2024-25, albeit one that lost two key players (Mitch Marner to free agency and Chris Tanev to injury) and had a disastrous 30-point free fall down the standings a year later. —James Mirtle, New York Times, 6 May 2026

The other sees a country in free fall. —Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 6 May 2026

In 2025, the Mets had the best record in the National League on June 4 at 39-23, but the team went into free fall after that and missed the postseason by one game, going 44-56 down the stretch. —Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026

Faith in City Hall, always shaky, seems in free fall. —Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 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