Fallout
/ˈfɔːl.aʊt/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe radioactive particles that settle to the ground or are dispersed in the atmosphere after a nuclear explosion.
/ˈfɔːl.aʊt/
Radioactive particles after a nuclear explosion
The authorities issued warnings about the dangers of nuclear fallout.
💡 Simply: Imagine a giant bomb explodes. Fallout is like the tiny, invisible dust that's dangerous to breathe in after the explosion. It's like invisible pollution.
👶 For kids: The stuff that comes down from the sky after a big boom, that can make you sick.
More Examples
People were advised to stay indoors during the fallout.
The government prepared for the possibility of nuclear fallout.
Scientists are studying the long-term effects of nuclear fallout.
How It's Used
"The fallout from the nuclear test contaminated the surrounding area."
"Concerns about nuclear fallout shaped Cold War era civil defense programs."
Unpleasant or unwanted consequences of an action or event.
/ˈfɔːl.aʊt/
Unpleasant consequences
The environmental fallout of the oil spill was devastating.
💡 Simply: Think of dropping your ice cream cone—the mess and disappointment are the fallout! It's the bad stuff that happens *after* something else.
👶 For kids: The bad things that happen after something goes wrong.
More Examples
The financial fallout from the economic crisis was widespread.
He was concerned about the fallout from his actions.
The scandal led to considerable political fallout.
How It's Used
"The scandal's political fallout included a decline in public trust."
"The company faced negative fallout after the product recall."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
political fallout
Negative consequences for a politician or political organization.
"The scandal had significant political fallout, causing the politician to lose his position."
environmental fallout
The negative environmental consequences of an event.
"The environmental fallout from the factory's pollution was severe."
From "fall" + "out," originating from the literal falling out of radioactive particles after a nuclear explosion. Extended to metaphorical usages.
Initially used in the context of nuclear weapons testing and related dangers in the mid-20th century.
Memory tip
Think of the 'fall' of radioactive 'out' of the sky after a bomb.
Word Origin
"To descend; to happen."