Definition

1. Verb:

   • To fall or drop straight down at high speed: To descend rapidly and vertically, often implying a sudden, steep, and uncontrolled drop.
   • To decrease rapidly and substantially in amount, value, or level: To decline sharply and suddenly, as in financial markets, prices, or other measurable quantities.

2. Noun:

   • The metal weight on a plumb line: A small, heavy object, typically made of lead or brass, attached to a line used to determine verticality or depth. Also called a plumb bob.
   • (Figurative) A steep and rapid fall: A sudden and dramatic drop or decline.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:

  • The rocket plummeted back to Earth after the engine failed.
  • Temperatures are expected to plummet below freezing tonight.
  • Company profits plummeted after the product recall was announced.

• Noun:

  • The builder used a plummet to ensure the wall was perfectly vertical.
  • The news caused a sudden plummet in investor confidence.

Advanced Usage

• "to plummet to earth/ground": to fall rapidly from the sky to the ground.
  • The damaged aircraft plummeted to the ground.
• "to plummet into something": to fall rapidly into a particular state or condition.
  • The country's economy plummeted into a deep recession.

Variants and Related Words

• Plumb (verb): To measure the depth of water or to test for verticality. (e.g., )
• Plumb line (noun): A line with a plummet attached, used for finding a vertical line or depth.
• Plummeting (adjective/gerund): Describing something that is falling sharply. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Plunge: To fall or move suddenly and uncontrollably.
• Nosedive: To drop suddenly and steeply, especially of an aircraft or prices.
• Tumble: To fall suddenly, clumsily, or headlong.
• Crash: To fall or drop with force and typically a loud noise, often used for markets.

Antonyms

• Soar: To rise or increase rapidly to a high level.
• Skyrocket: To rise very quickly to a very high level.
• Ascend: To move upward or climb.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Take a plummet": (Informal) To fall or decline sharply.
  • After the scandal, the politician's popularity took a plummet.
• "Free-fall": A state of rapid, uncontrolled decline, similar to plummeting but often implying a longer duration of fall.
  • The currency is in free-fall on the international markets.

Noun

1. the metal bob of a plumb line

Verb

1. drop sharply
   • The stock market plummeted