fall

Definition

noun

a sudden reduction or loss of value

Examplesa fall in the exchange rate • a fall in the price of gold • a fall on the Stock Exchange • Profits showed a 10 per cent fall.

verb

to be reduced suddenly to a lower price or value
ExamplesShares fell on the market today. • Gold shares fell 10 per cent or fell 45 cents on the Stock Exchange. • The price of gold fell for the second day running. • The pound fell against the euro.
to happen or to take place
ExampleThe public holiday falls on a Tuesday.
Usage
payments which fall due
payments which are now due to be made

"...market analysts described the falls in the second half of last week as a technical correction to the market" [Australian Financial Review]

"...for the first time since mortgage rates began falling in March a financial institution has raised charges on homeowner loans" [Globe and Mail (Toronto)]

"...interest rates were still falling as late as June, and underlying inflation remains below the government's target of 2.5 per cent" [Financial Times]