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
Examples of free fall in a Sentence
Sales were in free fall.
Recent Examples on the Web
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
The timing worked out with the Cubs facing the Phillies and Mets while both clubs were in free fall.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The early-season free fall reached a new, unthinkable low on Tuesday night.
—James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for free fall
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
The timing worked out with the Cubs facing the Phillies and Mets while both clubs were in free fall.
—Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
The early-season free fall reached a new, unthinkable low on Tuesday night.
—James O'Connell, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for free fall
Cite this Entry
“Free fall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20fall. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
free fall
noun
: the condition of unrestrained motion in a gravitational field
also
: such motion
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
