a windfall

USAGE SUMMARY

"windfall" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is often used to refer to a sudden, unexpected, and usually large amount of money or other kind of good fortune. Example: "You won the lottery? That's a real windfall!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

We've had a windfall.

The New Yorker

I've had a windfall.

The Guardian

"They want a windfall," Mr. Mittelstaedt said.

The New York Times - Tech

The money itself is a windfall.

The New York Times

Naturally, Wall Street is enjoying a windfall.

The New York Times

The $19,000 was not a windfall.

The New York Times

I signed a "windfall waiver"?

The Guardian - Money

Will I get a windfall?

The Guardian - Money

Then, on Tuesday, a windfall.

The New York Times

It is not a windfall".

The New York Times - Sports

It can't even be called a windfall.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a windfall" when you want to describe an unexpected and often substantial gain, especially one that comes without much effort or warning. It's suitable for describing financial gains, opportunities, or any unforeseen positive outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "a windfall" to describe gradual improvements or predictable gains. The phrase implies a sudden, unexpected event, not a steady increase or anticipated benefit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a windfall" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It typically describes an unexpected and substantial gain, often of a financial nature. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where "a windfall" denotes a sudden, positive occurrence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a windfall" is a common noun phrase used to describe an unexpected and often substantial gain. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and business. It's important to use it to describe sudden, unexpected events, not gradual improvements. While it often implies financial gain, it can apply to any unforeseen benefit or positive outcome. When considering alternative phrasing, options such as ""a stroke of luck"" or ""an unexpected gain"" can offer similar connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a stroke of luck

This alternative focuses on the role of chance and good fortune in the unexpected gain.

a piece of good fortune

Highlights the positive and fortunate nature of the event or gain.

an unexpected gain

Emphasizes the unforeseen nature of the benefit or profit.

a sudden profit

Focuses on the quick and immediate financial benefit.

a lucky break

Highlights the element of luck and the advantageous opportunity.

a boon

Refers to something beneficial, but might not always imply suddenness.

a bonanza

Implies a large and abundant source of wealth or good fortune.

a godsend

Emphasizes the unexpected and welcome nature of the gain, often implying divine intervention.

a blessing

Similar to a godsend, suggesting a positive and fortunate occurrence.

a unexpected benefit

Highlights the unpredicted and advantageous aspect of the gain.

FAQs

How can I use "a windfall" in a sentence?

You can use "a windfall" to describe an unexpected gain or piece of good fortune, as in, "The company experienced "a windfall" profit due to the sudden surge in demand".

What's a good alternative to "a windfall"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a stroke of luck", "an unexpected gain", or "a lucky break" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "a windfall" only used to describe financial gain?

While commonly used in financial contexts, "a windfall" can also describe any unexpected benefit or advantage. For example, "The research team considered the new data "a windfall" for their project".

What is the difference between "a windfall" and "a bonus"?

"A bonus" is typically an expected or deserved reward, often related to performance or contractual agreements. In contrast, "a windfall" implies something unforeseen and unearned, such as "a stroke of luck" or an unexpected opportunity.