a precipitous drop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a precipitous drop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden and steep decrease in something, such as prices, temperatures, or performance. Example: "The stock market experienced a precipitous drop after the announcement of the economic downturn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A precipitous drop in melatonin levels occurred.

The New York Times - Science

As sweetly captivating as they can be, fortified wines have seen a precipitous drop in demand.

The New York Times - Food

Concurrently, there was a precipitous drop in sheep farming's proportion of total agricultural revenues.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Over the past 30 years there has been a precipitous drop in Quebec's birth rate.

The New Yorker

Then, in 2000, there was a precipitous drop in the company's stock.

The New Yorker

It marked a precipitous drop from the 10,300 metric tons imported in 2011.

The New York Times

These test results are not surprising; the state Education Department had predicted a precipitous drop.

The New York Times

Such a precipitous drop could eventually lead to inbreeding and weak horses, Ms. Beullens warned.

The New York Times

Sampling by state biologists over the last 22 years has revealed a precipitous drop.

The New York Times

The result of those activities was a precipitous drop in the Dead Sea's water level.

Britannica

From India to Brazil to the Philippines, recyclers are experiencing a precipitous drop in income.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a precipitous drop" to describe situations where the suddenness and steepness of a decline are important to emphasize. It adds a sense of urgency and potential danger to the described situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a precipitous drop" when describing gradual or minor declines. The term implies a severe and rapid decrease, so using it in a less dramatic context can be misleading and weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a precipitous drop" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a sudden and significant decrease, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples of revenue drops and stock market declines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a precipitous drop" is a noun phrase used to describe a sudden and significant decrease. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. The phrase conveys a sense of urgency and concern. When writing, use "a precipitous drop" to emphasize the severity and suddenness of a decline, but avoid using it for minor or gradual changes. Consider alternatives like "a sharp decline" or "a steep fall" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sharp decline

Focuses on the speed and negativity of the decrease, similar to the original phrase.

a steep fall

Emphasizes the verticality and rapidity of the decrease, akin to "precipitous".

a rapid decrease

Highlights the speed of the reduction, less emphasis on severity.

a sudden plunge

Implies an abrupt and dramatic fall, more figurative than "precipitous drop".

a dramatic downturn

Focuses on a negative shift in a trend, slightly more general.

a marked reduction

Highlights the notability of the decrease, not necessarily sudden.

a considerable lessening

Indicates a significant decrease, but less forceful and less common.

a substantial diminution

More formal and less frequently used, but conveys a significant decrease.

a critical downfall

Implies the decrease has severe consequences, adding a judgmental tone.

a swift devaluation

Specific to contexts involving value or worth, not general decrease.

FAQs

How can I use "a precipitous drop" in a sentence?

You can use "a precipitous drop" to describe a sudden and steep decline in various contexts. For example, "The company experienced "a precipitous drop" in sales after the product recall".

What are some alternatives to "a precipitous drop"?

You can use alternatives such as "a sharp decline", "a steep fall", or "a rapid decrease" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "precipitous drop" formal or informal?

"Precipitous drop" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for professional, news, and academic contexts. In more informal settings, simpler terms like "sudden fall" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "a precipitous drop" and "a gradual decline"?

"A precipitous drop" describes a sudden and steep decrease, while "a gradual decline" indicates a slow and steady reduction over time. The key difference lies in the speed and intensity of the change.