fallen

[ faw-luhn ]

verb

1. past participle of fall.

adjective

1. having dropped or come down from a higher place, from an upright position, or from a higher level, degree, amount, quality, value, number, etc.
2. on the ground; prostrate; down flat:

   Exhausted, the racers lay fallen by the road.

3. degraded or immoral.
4. (of a woman) having lost her chastity.
5. overthrown, destroyed, or conquered:

   a fallen city.

6. dead:

   fallen troops.

fallen

/ ˈfɔːlən /

verb

1. the past participle of fall

adjective

1. having sunk in reputation or honour

   a fallen woman

2. killed in battle with glory

   our fallen heroes

3. defeated

Other Words From

• un·fallen adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of fallen¹

First recorded before 900, for the adjective

Example Sentences

Federal officials said that one person has died and at least 38 individuals have fallen sick due to the outbreak, NPR reported.

From Salon

Within a few blocks of the corner where the plaintiff was hurt, about half the light poles had caps that were loose or missing, meaning they had already fallen off.

From Los Angeles Times

A fire caused by fallen debris from one of the missiles was quickly extinguished and there were no casualties, it said.

From BBC

Cease-fire talks have all but fallen apart, and U.S. officials acknowledge none are taking place now, while Qatar, a key mediator, has withdrawn from the process.

From Los Angeles Times

Though prices have now fallen for three consecutive months, that doesn’t mean they will keep doing so.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• collapsed
• decayed