fallout

or fall-out

[ fawl-out ]

noun

1. the settling to the ground of airborne particles ejected into the atmosphere from the earth by explosions, eruptions, forest fires, etc., especially such settling from nuclear explosions radioactive fallout. Compare rainout.
2. the particles themselves. Compare rainout.
3. an unexpected or incidental effect, outcome, or product:

   the psychological fallout of being obese.

4. effects; results:

   emotional fallout from a divorce.

fallout

/ ˈfɔːlˌaʊt /

noun

1. the descent of solid material in the atmosphere onto the earth, esp of radioactive material following a nuclear explosion
2. any solid particles that so descend
3. informal.
   side-effects; secondary consequences

verb

1. informal.
   to quarrel or disagree
2. intr to happen or occur
3. military to leave a parade or disciplinary formation

sentence substitute

1. military the order to leave a parade or disciplinary formation

Word History and Origins

Origin of fallout¹

First recorded in 1945–50; noun use of verb phrase fall out

Example Sentences

In 2021, the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan, 20 years after a US-led invasion toppled their regime in the fallout of the 9/11 attacks in New York.

From BBC

His family currently have no contact with him after years of dealing with the fallout from his lies.

From BBC

“For those that decided and moved to break Biden, and then you got the election that you wanted, it’s appropriate to own the outcome and fallout,” he told political outlet Semafor in an interview.

From BBC

Robinson denied the posts came from him, but that didn't stop the fallout.

From Salon

US officials said the scandal had weakened public trust in some Navy leaders and its fallout will be long-felt.

From BBC