noun
Uncommon
fallout
FAW-lowt
Fallout (noun) means Radioactive dust and debris that settles after a nuclear explosion. Example: “Fallout from the blast contaminated the surrounding countryside for years.”
noun
1
Radioactive dust and debris that settles after a nuclear explosion.
"Fallout from the blast contaminated the surrounding countryside for years."
2
The unpleasant or unexpected consequences of an event or decision.
"The political fallout from the scandal cost him his job."
How to use fallout
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither literal radioactive dust after a nuclear blast, or the wider negative consequences of an event.
Common pairings
nuclear fallout
political fallout
fallout from a scandal
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Word forms
- Plural
- fallouts
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Can you complete this real example?
_____ from the blast contaminated the surrounding countryside for years.
Etymology
From the phrasal verb fall out, combined into a single noun.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for fallout
See all rhymes for fallout →Frequently asked questions
What does “fallout” mean?
The word “fallout” means radioactive dust and debris that settles after a nuclear explosion. In plain terms, either literal radioactive dust after a nuclear blast, or the wider negative consequences of an event.
How do you pronounce “fallout”?
“Fallout” is pronounced FAW-lowt (/ˈfɔlˌaʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “fallout” in a sentence?
Here is “fallout” used in a sentence: “Fallout from the blast contaminated the surrounding countryside for years.”
What part of speech is “fallout”?
“Fallout” is a noun.
Is “fallout” a common word?
“Fallout” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “fallout” have?
“Fallout” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: radioactive dust and debris that settles after a nuclear explosion.
What is the difference between fallout and consequences?
Fallout specifically describes the unpleasant or unexpected consequences of an event or decision, often implying a broader, more disruptive aftermath. Consequences is a more general term that can describe any result, positive or negative, expected or unexpected.
What is nuclear fallout?
Nuclear fallout is radioactive dust and debris that settles after a nuclear explosion, posing a serious contamination risk to the surrounding area and its inhabitants. This is the original, literal sense of fallout before it was extended to mean the aftermath of any event.
Can fallout be used outside of nuclear or disaster contexts?
Yes, fallout is commonly used figuratively to describe the negative aftermath of business decisions, political scandals, or personal disputes, such as the fallout from a company merger. This figurative use draws on the image of debris settling after a destructive event.
