windfall

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'windfall' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an unexpected, large amount of money or other type of good fortune. Example sentence: After winning the lottery, Tom was exhilarated by his windfall of riches.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But we have no plans for a windfall tax.

The Guardian

Unless Europe changes and puts people first - UK will vote to leave Europe Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 4.44pm BSThe:44 The Conservative MP Robert Halfon says Sir John Major's call for a windfall tax on energy companies is "worth considering".

The Guardian

It's fabulous for us to get this windfall.

The Guardian

His proposal, a windfall tax, was rejected by No 10 within half an hour of Sir John sitting down.

The Guardian

In the present economic climate, only a windfall tax can raise enough revenue to protect those families from a cold winter.

The Guardian - Opinion

As well as the social argument for an energy windfall tax, there is a political reason why it is essential.

The Guardian - Opinion

The shadow energy secretary, Caroline Flint, said she was "shocked" by revelations about the credit windfall, which she said was "unacceptable".

The Guardian - Money

Other sums are allegedly spend on personal interest such as paying a tax bill, buying a Mercedes for Nadir's ex-wife, and providing a windfall for his son Birol.

The Guardian - Business

Freedland urges us to consider the successful policies of the Blairites, including "the minimum wage, the pensioners lifted out of poverty, the civil partnerships, the Sure Start centres, devolution, the windfall tax, the rebuilding of broken schools and rundown hospitals".

The Guardian

Defending the flagship announcement, she pointed out Mandelson was the architect of a windfall tax on utility companies after 1997, costing the firms £5bn.

The Guardian - Money

Ashley's decision to withdraw means Sports Direct's 3,000 full-time employees will get a bigger share of the windfall.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "windfall" to describe a sudden, significant, and often unexpected gain, especially in financial or resource-related contexts. For instance, you can talk about a "windfall" of profits or a "windfall" from an inheritance.

Common error

Avoid using "windfall" to describe regular, predictable income or gains. "Windfall" specifically refers to something unexpected and non-recurring. If the income is consistent, use terms like "revenue", "earnings", or "profits" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "windfall" is as a noun. It typically functions as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to a sudden and unexpected gain or advantage. Ludwig AI confirms this by providing examples from diverse sources, showcasing its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "windfall" refers to a sudden and unexpected gain, often of financial nature. Ludwig AI attests to its proper usage in English, confirming it's a noun commonly used across various contexts. It's grammatically correct and shows very common usage, particularly in news and media. While appropriate in both formal and informal settings, using "windfall" accurately means ensuring the gain is truly unexpected and not a regular occurrence. Be careful to avoid using it to define predictable revenue streams. Instead consider alternatives like "unexpected gain" or "sudden profit" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

windfall gain

Explicitly indicates the gain aspect of the windfall and repeats some of the original phrase elements.

unexpected benefit

Highlights the unexpected nature and the positive outcome.

unexpected gain

Focuses on the unexpected nature of the benefit, omitting the size or impact.

sudden profit

Highlights the financial aspect and the abrupt arrival of the gain.

stroke of luck

Emphasizes the role of chance and good fortune in receiving the benefit.

lucky break

Similar to 'stroke of luck', but can also imply an opportunity.

bonanza

Implies a large and sudden influx of wealth or resources.

manna from heaven

Conveys the idea of a divinely provided or unexpected blessing.

fluke

Focuses on the accidental and unexpected nature of the gain.

jackpot

Specifically implies winning a large sum of money, like in a lottery.

FAQs

How to use "windfall" in a sentence?

You can use "windfall" to describe a sudden and unexpected gain. For example, "The company experienced a financial windfall after the successful launch of their new product."

What can I say instead of "windfall"?

You can use alternatives like "unexpected gain", "sudden profit", or "stroke of luck" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "windfall" and "bonanza"?

"Windfall" generally refers to any sudden, unexpected gain, whereas "bonanza" often implies a particularly large and abundant gain, suggesting a greater scale and impact.

Is it appropriate to use "windfall" in formal writing?

Yes, "windfall" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in business and financial contexts, to describe an unexpected and beneficial gain. However, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and whether a more precise term might be suitable.