Freefalling: meaning, definitions and examples

In aerodynamics, it describes an object or person in free descent, not slowed by a parachute. Often used in extreme sports or physics contexts.

• The astronaut experienced freefalling before the parachute deployed.
• During freefalling, the skydiver felt a huge rush of adrenaline.

The sport of jumping out of an airplane and performing acrobatics or enjoying freefall before deploying a parachute. Usually denotes a recreational, adventurous activity.

• Skydiving is on my bucket list for this summer.
• We watched a group of people skydiving from the airshow.

Refers to the activity or sport of jumping out of an aircraft and descending slowly using a parachute. Typically used in recreational or military contexts.

• Many soldiers received training in parachuting during boot camp.
• She took a course on parachuting before her first jump.

A general term for moving downward due to gravity, without specifying the speed or whether a parachute is involved. Common in everyday language for accidents or natural phenomena.

• Autumn leaves are falling gently to the ground.
• She slipped on the ice and found herself falling rapidly.

Describes the motion of something that is falling freely without any means of slowing down, often used in skydiving or when describing uncontrolled situations.

• The skydiver was freefalling before opening the parachute.
• The stock market is freefalling after the recent news.

Implies something falling very fast and often uncontrollably. Typically used in dramatic or negative scenarios.

• The plane is plummeting towards the ground.
• The company’s profits are plummeting due to the recession.

Suggests a sudden, forceful fall or drop, often into water or a deep place. It can have a negative or intense connotation.

• She is plunging into the pool from the diving board.
• The car is plunging off the cliff.

Used when something is released or let go from a height, often in a controlled manner. It’s neutral or slightly casual.

• He is dropping coins into the donation box.
• The temperature is dropping quickly tonight.