# falling

/ˈfɑɫɪŋ/ (US) · /fˈɔːlɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/falling
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. moving downwards

verb · CEFR A1

moving down towards the ground because of gravity.

For teachers: the state of descending from a higher to a lower level under the influence of gravity.

- Watch out for falling rocks while you are hiking on the mountain.
- The safety net was designed to catch any falling debris during the construction of the high-rise apartment complex.

### 2. decreasing

verb · CEFR B1

becoming less in amount, price, or strength.

For teachers: experiencing a reduction in value, quantity, or intensity.

- The falling prices of electronics mean more people can afford a new phone.
- Economists expressed concern over falling consumer confidence, which typically precedes a slowdown in retail spending.

### 3. the act of dropping

noun · CEFR B2

the event of dropping down or losing your balance.

For teachers: the action or instance of losing one's balance or collapsing from a standing position.

- The old man was afraid of falling on the icy sidewalk.
- Medical professionals emphasize that for elderly patients, the fear of falling can be as restrictive as a physical injury itself.

## Examples

- Leaves are falling from the trees in the garden.
- The child tripped on the uneven sidewalk and ended up falling onto the grass.
- Economists observed the currency falling against the dollar for three consecutive weeks, prompting concerns about the long-term stability of the national market.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.