rapid descent
Falling very fast
Rapid descent is a swift drop in altitude, whether controlled or uncontrolled.
Aircraft make rapid descents in emergencies or to comply with air traffic control: The pilot initiated a rapid descent when cabin pressure dropped.
The phrase extends to any quick downward movement—a stock's rapid descent, a career's rapid descent into obscurity.
The speed implied distinguishes it from gradual decline.
- plungeSudden steep descent
- free fallUnimpeded gravitational descent
- freefallUnimpeded downward motion
- diveHeadfirst water entry
- dropFall or release
steep drop · nosedive · plummet · tumble · death spiral · swoop · crash · stock market crash · spiral · falling · losing altitude · vertigo · gravity · terminal velocity · steep · cliff · avalanche · rush
rapid descentlevel flight
Flight at constant altitude
hovering · plateauing · stasis · equilibrium · stability
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