Plummeting: meaning, definitions and examples

Used again when something falls rapidly and steeply, emphasizing a drastic and often negative change.

• The plane's altitude was plummeting
• Her grades are plummeting this semester

A general term for a decrease or reduction. It can be used in various contexts such as in prices, temperatures, or physical objects falling.

• There's been a drop in student enrollment this year
• Please drop the anchor

Indicates a sudden and forceful fall or dive. Often used to describe steep drops and is similar to 'plummeting' but can also imply a deliberate action such as diving into water.

• He decided to take the plunge and invest in the stock market
• The car plunged off the cliff

A versatile word often used to describe a physical descent or a decrease. It can refer to anything from a person falling down to a reduction in numbers.

• Be careful, you might fall
• The interest rates are starting to fall

As with the first entry, 'plummeting' is best used to describe a fast and dramatic decrease. It emphasizes urgency and often relates to dire situations.

• Sales numbers are plummeting due to the new competitor.
• Her hopes were plummeting as the results were announced.

This word is used when talking about a controlled or steady decline from a higher to a lower place or level. It is often used in aviation, hiking, or describing a general decline over time.

• The plane began its descent to the airport.
• His descent into depression was slow but noticeable.

Use this for a small, often sudden decrease in level, amount, or value. It can be used in everyday context and usually carries no negative connotation.

• There is a drop in temperature today.
• I noticed a drop in my phone's battery percentage.

This is the most general term and can refer to any type of decline or downward motion, whether slow or fast, physical or metaphorical. It may carry negative implications depending on the context.

• Leaves fall from the trees in autumn.
• The empire's fall was inevitable after years of internal strife.