fallout
/ˈfɔːlaʊt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfɔːlaʊt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfȯl-ˌau̇t/ (ame, mw)
fallout — noun
1. The harmful radioactive material that falls from the sky after a nuclear bomb ex
The harmful radioactive material that falls from the sky after a nuclear bomb explodes, settling on the ground and contaminating the area for a long time.
After the 1954 nuclear test, radioactive fallout spread across the nearby islands and into the ocean.
fallout + spread across [area]
Scientists measured the fallout levels in the soil around the abandoned reactor every month.
measure + fallout levels
The government warned residents to stay indoors to avoid exposure to the radioactive fallout.
Decades after the disaster, the fallout still made large areas unsafe for farming.
- radioactive debris
more general; includes larger fragments, not just fine particles
- nuclear dust
less technical, often found in news reporting
文法句型
fallout + spreads / settles
用法筆記
Almost always used as an uncountable noun. Frequently modified by 'radioactive' or 'nuclear' in scientific contexts.
常見錯誤
2. The negative consequences that spread from a bad event, affecting people or situ
The negative consequences that spread from a bad event, affecting people or situations for some time after the event itself is over.
The company faced serious fallout after the data breach exposed millions of customer records.
face + fallout from [event]
The political fallout from the corruption scandal forced three senior ministers to resign.
political fallout + from [event]
Local businesses still face the economic fallout of the factory closure two years ago.
Zuri tried to limit the fallout by apologising publicly to everyone who had been hurt.
The emotional fallout of the divorce affected the whole family for years.
- consequences
neutral — does not carry the same negative weight as 'fallout'
- repercussions
more formal, suggests a chain of indirect effects
- aftermath
focuses on the period after an event; 'fallout' emphasises the spreading effects themselves
文法句型
fallout + from [event]
fallout + of [event]
用法筆記
Commonly modified by an adjective describing the type of consequence: political fallout, economic fallout, social fallout, emotional fallout. The cause is introduced by 'from' or 'of'.
常見錯誤
fallout — verb
- falloutpresent simple I / you / we / they
- fallouts3rd person singular
- fallouting-ing form
- falloutedpast simple
1. To have a serious argument with someone that ends or damages the relationship be
To have a serious argument with someone that ends or damages the relationship between you.
The two brothers fell out over their father's will and stopped speaking completely.
fall out with [someone] over [something]
Eli fell out with his best friend over a small misunderstanding that grew too big.
fall out with [someone]
Good friends sometimes fall out, but real ones find a way to make up again.
Constanza fell out with her cousin after he borrowed money and never returned it.
- make up
to become friends again after an argument
文法句型
fall out with [someone] over [something]
用法筆記
In modern English this sense is used mainly as the two-word phrasal verb 'fall out' (verb + particle), not as 'fallout' written as one word. Frequently paired with 'with' (the person) and 'over' (the reason).
常見錯誤
2. To happen or develop in a particular way, especially by chance or as events unfo
To happen or develop in a particular way, especially by chance or as events unfold.
As things fell out, the train was delayed so we missed the first act of the play.
as things fell out + [unexpected result]
It fell out that the two old friends were seated next to each other at the wedding.
it fell out that + [clause]
It fell out that the only hotel room available was the one nobody wanted.
As things fell out, Linh ended up teaching the class while the teacher was sick.
- turn out
modern equivalent, very common, neutral register
- come to pass
formal/literary, similar level of archaism
文法句型
it fell out that…
as things fell out…
用法筆記
This sense is now archaic or dialectal. It survives mainly in fixed expressions like 'as things fell out' or 'it fell out that'. Learners should recognise it in older literature but avoid using it in modern speech.
3. In a military context, to step out of a line or formation of soldiers, especiall
In a military context, to step out of a line or formation of soldiers, especially when given permission or an order to do so.
The sergeant ordered Private Daichi to fall out of the formation and report to the captain.
ordered + [someone] + to fall out
When the drill ended, the soldiers fell out and walked back to their barracks.
The drill instructor told the tired recruits they could fall out and get some water.
After the inspection, Caleb and the other soldiers were allowed to fall out for ten minutes.
- fall in
to take one's position in a military formation
文法句型
fall out of [formation]
ordered to fall out
用法筆記
Opposite of 'fall in' (to take one's place in formation). Used as a command in military training: 'Fall out!' means soldiers may leave their positions.
4. Within military settings, to exit a building so you can join other soldiers who
Within military settings, to exit a building so you can join other soldiers who are already standing in formation outdoors.
At the bugle call, troops fell out of the barracks and formed ranks in the courtyard.
fall out of [building] + form ranks
The recruits fell out of the mess hall when the alarm sounded for the emergency drill.
Every morning the company fell out of the dormitory and marched to the parade ground.
The commanding officer ordered everyone to fall out of the headquarters building immediately.
文法句型
fall out of [building]
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 3 (LEAVE RANKS): sense 3 means leaving a position within a formation, while sense 4 means leaving a building to go outside and form up. Both use the phrasal verb 'fall out'.