plummeted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plummeted" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a sudden and significant decrease in value, quantity, or level. Example: "The stock prices plummeted after the announcement of the company's poor earnings report."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The general election attracted the lowest ever turnout of voters and, if any further proof of apathy were needed, audiences for election results programmes have plummeted over the past decade, according to new research.

The Guardian

Hard currency reserves have plummeted to less than $4bn, and staples such as vegetable oil and sugar began vanishing from stores.

The Guardian

Many investors will have died in the 20 years since Polly Peck plummeted from the FTSE 100 to ruin faster, and rather less predictably, than Icarus.

The Guardian - Opinion

As dejected Andy Murray fans filed away from SW19, leaving empty bottles of Pimm's and discarded Union flags in their wake, prices immediately plummeted on websites that had been offering men's final tickets at up to £8,500.

The Guardian - Sport

That has plummeted from 63% in 2005 to just 17% in 2010.

The Guardian - Business

Her classwork plummeted, her school test scores sank and she regularly burst into tears in the classroom.

The Guardian

While Peña Nieto's approval rating has plummeted, polls suggest the PRI may keep the thin majority it musters with its allies in the lower house, partly due to weakness and splits in the opposition.

The Guardian

It is testimony to the Greeks' enduring faith in hope that Syriza is still leading in the polls even if support for its negotiating strategy has plummeted and diehards speak of crushing concessions being made.

The Guardian

Stability and continuity are likely to be his guiding principles, at a time of alarm over the rise of Isis in Iraq and Syria, turmoil in neighbouring Yemen, the kingdom's rivalry with Iran and controversy over its resisting calls for Opec production cuts as the price of oil has plummeted.

The Guardian

On Thursday, YouGov's BrandIndex, which records the strength of companies' brand identity, revealed Starbucks has plummeted in the past few days.

The Guardian - Business

Since the trebling of fees under the coalition government, Clegg's approval ratings have plummeted – a recent Lord Ashcroft poll suggested a 2% point Labour lead over the Liberal Democrats in Sheffield Hallam.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about data or statistics, use "plummeted" to make the drop in value more vivid and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "plummeted" to describe slow or gradual decreases. This word implies a sudden, rapid fall. If the decline is gradual, consider using words like "decreased", "declined", or "fell" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "plummeted" is as a verb, specifically the past tense and past participle of "plummet". It describes an action of falling or dropping suddenly and steeply. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "plummeted" effectively conveys a rapid and significant decline. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various high-quality sources. It is most frequently found in news and business contexts to describe sudden drops in value, quantity, or status. While suitable for neutral and formal registers, it should be avoided when describing gradual declines. Alternatives like "fell sharply" or "decreased rapidly" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fell sharply

Emphasizes the speed and magnitude of the decline, focusing on the immediate impact.

decreased rapidly

Highlights the quick pace of reduction, suitable for technical or formal contexts.

dropped significantly

Focuses on the notable reduction in quantity or value, suggesting a considerable change.

declined steeply

Indicates a sharp downward trend, often used in economic or statistical contexts.

slumped dramatically

Suggests a sudden and significant fall, often used in financial or economic discussions.

nosedived

Implies a rapid and uncontrolled descent, suitable for describing abrupt falls.

collapsed

Highlights a complete or near-complete failure or drop, suggesting a more severe outcome.

cratered

Emphasizes a deep and sudden fall, often used in the context of prices or values.

tanked

Informal term indicating a rapid and substantial failure or decrease.

took a nosedive

Describes a quick and significant drop, often implying a loss of control.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "plummeted" in a sentence?

Use "plummeted" to describe a rapid and significant decrease. For example, "After the scandal, the politician's approval ratings "plummeted"."

What are some alternatives to using "plummeted" in my writing?

You can use alternatives like "fell sharply", "decreased rapidly", or "dropped significantly" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "plummeted" to describe a gradual decline?

No, "plummeted" implies a sudden and rapid decrease. For gradual declines, use words like "decreased", "declined", or "fell".

What's the difference between "plummeted" and "decreased"?

"Plummeted" suggests a swift and dramatic fall, whereas "decreased" simply indicates a reduction in quantity or value without necessarily implying speed or severity.