fall below
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To go lower than a number, level, or standard that is required.
Literal meaning: To fall to a position that is physically lower than something else.
Meanings
1 B1 neutral
Of a number, level, or quantity: to decrease to a point lower than a set threshold.
"Temperatures are forecast to fall below zero across the northern regions this weekend."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To fail to meet a required standard or level of quality.
"The report concluded that the hospital's hygiene standards had fallen below acceptable levels."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Common in financial, scientific, academic, and business writing. Usually followed by a specific number, standard, or benchmark. More formal and precise than 'fall short of'.
Commonly used with
threshold standard expectations minimum target average zero
Forms
Base
fall below
I/you/we/they
3rd person
falls below
he/she/it
Past simple
fell below
yesterday
Past participle
fallen below
have + pp
-ing form
falling below
continuous
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Synonyms
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