fallout
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the dangerous radioactive dust that falls from the sky after a nuclear explosion.
radioactive particles that are carried into the atmosphere after a nuclear explosion and gradually fall back to earth.
Simple“The scientists measured the level of radioactive fallout in the soil after the accident.”
In context“Prevailing winds carried the radioactive fallout hundreds of miles from the blast site, contaminating agricultural land across several borders.”
UsageUsually uncountable when referring to the material itself.
Synonymsradioactive dustdebris - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
the unpleasant results or effects that follow a bad situation or argument.
the adverse results or incidental consequences of an event, especially a political or social scandal.
Simple“The company is still dealing with the political fallout from the CEO's resignation.”
In context“The diplomatic fallout from the failed negotiations led to a cooling of relations between the two neighbouring countries for several years.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'from'.
Synonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
a person who is asked to appear on a show at the last minute because someone else cancelled.
a substitute guest used to fill a broadcasting slot when the original participant is unavailable.
Simple“The talk show host had to find a fallout when the lead actor missed his flight.”
In context“The production assistant kept a list of reliable fallouts who could be at the studio within an hour if a primary guest cancelled.”
Teacher's tipThis is a highly specialised industry term; most English speakers will only know the 'consequences' or 'nuclear' meanings.
Synonyms
“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.”
Deverbal from fall out; fall + out.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.