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

By that point, the broader aggregator market was in free fall. —Annie Palmer, CNBC, 8 Aug. 2025

Mercifully, the losing streak ended July 7, with a huge 7-5 victory on the road against the Houston Astros. Guardians Problems: There are a number of issues, concerns, and problems that have led to Cleveland’s free fall. —Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

Skydivers can reach over 100 mph during free fall, which lasts roughly 45-60 seconds before a parachute is pulled, according to the USPA. —Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 27 Apr. 2025

The Yankees are in free fall, and are simply trying to make the postseason at this point. —Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 27 July 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