Plummet: meaning, definitions and examples

📉

Add to dictionary

plummet

[ˈplʌmɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in financial markets

To fall or drop suddenly and steeply, especially in value or price.

Synonyms

crash, drop, plunge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
plummet	As previously described, used when describing a sudden and steep fall, often in relation to prices, values, or statistics. Tourism numbers plummeted due to the pandemic
plunge	Used to describe a rapid and forceful fall, often implying a sense of depth or immersion. Can be used both literally and metaphorically. The temperatures plunged to below freezing last night
drop	A general term used to describe any decrease or fall in level, amount, or value. It is less dramatic than 'plummet' or 'crash'. There was a drop in temperature overnight
crash	Typically used to describe a sudden and severe failure or fall, often in the context of the financial market, systems, or computer programs. Can have a negative connotation. The stock market crashed in 2008, leading to a global financial crisis

Examples of usage

The stock market plummeted after the announcement of the new tariffs.
The company's shares plummeted following the release of the negative earnings report.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in meteorology

A steep and rapid fall in the atmospheric pressure in a short period of time.

Synonyms

decline, drop, plunge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
plummet	This word is used when something decreases very sharply and suddenly, typically from a great height. It's often associated with significant, rapid drops and can imply a sense of danger or urgency. The stock prices plummeted after the scandal. The temperature plummeted overnight.
plunge	Similar to 'plummet,' this word is used for a quick and severe decrease. It often conveys a sense of something falling quickly into a downward trend, and can also carry a feeling of risk or significant change. The car plunged off the road. After the announcement, their shares plunged.
drop	This versatile word describes a decrease in number, quality, or intensity. It can be used in a wide variety of situations, from informal to formal, and doesn't necessarily imply a dramatic change. The temperature dropped by 10 degrees. There was a drop in attendance at the event.
decline	This term is used for a gradual decrease or reduction in quality, quantity, or importance. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. There has been a steady decline in his health. Sales have declined over the past year.

Examples of usage

The weather forecast predicts a sudden plummet in atmospheric pressure tonight.
The plummet in pressure is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the region.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French 'plomber,' meaning 'to fall,' which is related to the word 'plumb,' referring to a weight used to measure depth.
In English, 'plummet' first appeared in the early 15th century, initially as a noun referring to a weight dropped to measure depth.

Science

In physics, when objects fall, gravity pulls them down, and the rate of that fall can be accelerated due to air resistance.
The concept of plummeting is often illustrated in experiments involving free fall, where objects are dropped in a vacuum to show gravity's effect without air resistance.

Pop Culture

In popular movies, characters often plummet from heights during action scenes, adding suspense and drama.
The expression 'plummet to the ground' is used in various video games to describe characters falling uncontrollably.

Psychology

The sensation of plummeting can trigger adrenaline rushes, linked to the body's fight-or-flight response.
Falling dreams often evoke feelings of anxiety and can be interpreted as loss of control or fear of failure.

Literature

Authors often use imagery of plummeting to express rapid changes in fortune or feelings, illustrating a character's downfall.
In poems, 'to plummet' can symbolize a deep emotional dive or despair, drawing vivid imagery for readers.

Translations

Translations of the word "plummet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 despencar

🇮🇳 गिरावट

🇩🇪 stürzen

🇮🇩 jatuh dengan cepat

🇺🇦 падати стрімко

🇵🇱 gwałtownie spadać

🇯🇵 急落する

🇫🇷 chuter brusquement

🇪🇸 desplomarse

🇹🇷 hızla düşmek

🇰🇷 급락하다

🇸🇦 يهبط بسرعة

🇨🇿 prudce klesat

🇸🇰 prudko klesať

🇨🇳 骤降

🇸🇮 strmo pasti

🇮🇸 hrapa niður

🇰🇿 құлдырау

🇬🇪 დაბლა დაშვება

🇦🇿 kəskin düşmək

🇲🇽 desplomarse

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,173, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
27170 monism
27171 critiqued
27172 forger
27173 plummet
27174 hake
27175 comparably
27176 circumventing
...