Plunging: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a sudden and quick fall or dive, often in terms of water or prices.

• The temperature has been plunging all week.
• He took a deep breath before plunging into the pool.

Conveys a feeling of rapid, steep, and often alarming fall or decrease, including emotional or financial contexts. Has a stronger, more negative connotation than 'dropping'.

• The stock market has been plummeting since the announcement.
• Her spirits were plummeting after the bad news.

Typically used when talking about jumping or moving headfirst into water or a deep area, either literally or metaphorically, such as in sports or studies.

• She spent the afternoon diving off the cliffs.
• He has been diving into his work to understand the new project.

Usually refers to something falling or decreasing gradually or suddenly from a height, level, or standard, but not as extreme as 'plummeting'.

• The ball kept dropping until it hit the ground.
• Her grades started dropping after she missed a few classes.

Used when something is moving sharply downward or quickly declining. Often used to describe steep declines or rapid descents.

• The stock market is plunging after the economic report was released.
• The temperatures are plunging as winter approaches.

Typically used to describe a sudden and steep movement downward, often associated with physical actions or performance in sports, but can also describe a quick drop in other contexts.

• The plane began its dive toward the ground.
• Her grades took a dive after she missed several classes.

A more general term that can be used in various contexts to describe something falling, decreasing, or losing value. Can be used both literally and figuratively.

• The box slipped from her hands and took a drop to the floor.
• There was a significant drop in temperature overnight.

Conveys a sharp and severe decline or fall, often used when describing something falling quickly and forcefully. It is commonly associated with negative outcomes.

• The company's profits plummeted after the scandal.
• The bungee jumper felt a rush of adrenaline as he began to plummet.