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

After getting off to the first 6-1 season start since the 1990s Michael Jordan/Scottie Pippen dynasty era, the Chicago Bulls have been in free fall, losing their last four straight contests. —Alex Kirschenbaum, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Nov. 2025

Her favorite part is the feeling of free fall. —Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 13 Nov. 2025

Most filmmakers would have diluted the grit and genuine sense of moral free fall. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Nov. 2025

Advertisement On any one of those issues alone, Mamdani’s campaign could have been in a free fall if not conscripted to a quick and public immolation. —Philip Elliott, Time, 5 Nov. 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