Word
fallout
Phoneticsfall·out, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfɔˌɫaʊt/
UK/fˈɔːlaʊt/
Definitions
01radioactive dust
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the dangerous radioactive dust that falls from the sky after a nuclear explosion.
n. radioactive particles that are carried into the atmosphere after a nuclear explosion and gradually fall back to earth.
“The scientists measured the level of radioactive fallout in the soil after the accident.”
“Prevailing winds carried the radioactive fallout hundreds of miles from the blast site, contaminating agricultural land across several borders.”
Usage
Usually uncountable when referring to the material itself.
Synonyms
02bad consequences
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the unpleasant results or effects that follow a bad situation or argument.
n. the adverse results or incidental consequences of an event, especially a political or social scandal.
“The company is still dealing with the political fallout from the CEO's resignation.”
“The diplomatic fallout from the failed negotiations led to a cooling of relations between the two neighbouring countries for several years.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'from'.
Synonyms
03television guest
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Theater Technical
n. a person who is asked to appear on a show at the last minute because someone else cancelled.
n. a substitute guest used to fill a broadcasting slot when the original participant is unavailable.
“The talk show host had to find a fallout when the lead actor missed his flight.”
“The production assistant kept a list of reliable fallouts who could be at the studio within an hour if a primary guest cancelled.”
Teaching tip
This is a highly specialised industry term; most English speakers will only know the 'consequences' or 'nuclear' meanings.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Many space missions are searching for life beyond Earth, but are we prepared for the fallout if they succeed?” “It is close to a property bought by Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank who have remained close to the Sussexes during the royal fallout.” Etymology
Deverbal from fall out; fall + out.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/fallout