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."
inseparable
fall below
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To decrease to a level lower than a specific standard, threshold, or expectation.
In plain English
To go lower than a number, level, or standard that is required.
What does "fall below" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To fall to a position that is physically lower than something else.
Actually means
To go lower than a number, level, or standard that is required.
Usage tip
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'.
Words that pair with "fall below"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
threshold standard expectations minimum target average zero
How to conjugate "fall below"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "fall below" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fall below" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "fall below"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.