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Plummet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'plummet'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'plummet' originated from the Old French word 'plommet', which means 'a small lead weight attached to a line for sounding'. Over the years, the meaning evolved to represent a sudden and steep fall or drop, both in financial markets and meteorological contexts. The use of 'plummet' to describe a rapid decline in value or atmospheric pressure became popular in the English language in the 19th century and has since remained a commonly used term.

See also: plummeting.

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.