terminal velocity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Scientific, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “terminal velocity” mean?
The constant maximum speed a freely falling object reaches when the force of gravity is balanced by the drag force of the medium (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The constant maximum speed a freely falling object reaches when the force of gravity is balanced by the drag force of the medium (e.g., air) through which it is falling.
The highest attainable speed under given conditions; a metaphor for a limit or plateau in progress, performance, or development.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Spelling follows regional norms (e.g., 'metre' vs. 'meter' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Identical in technical contexts. Figurative use is more common in American business/management jargon.
Frequency
More frequent in American English in extended, metaphorical contexts (e.g., business, sports analytics).
Grammar
How to Use “terminal velocity” in a Sentence
[object] reaches/achieves terminal velocityterminal velocity of [object]to fall/drop at terminal velocityVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'The new marketing campaign has hit terminal velocity; we need fresh ideas for further growth.'
Academic
Technical: 'The experiment calculated the terminal velocity of the pollen grain in still air.'
Everyday
Rare in literal sense. Figurative: 'My productivity seems to have reached terminal velocity this week.'
Technical
Precise physics/engineering contexts: 'Parachute design aims to drastically reduce the skydiver's terminal velocity.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “terminal velocity”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “terminal velocity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “terminal velocity”
- Using 'terminal velocity' to mean simply 'high speed' without the concept of equilibrium. Confusing it with 'escape velocity'. Incorrect plural: 'terminal velocities' (acceptable only when comparing different objects/conditions).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It means the object stops accelerating and continues to move at a constant maximum speed.
Yes, for a given object, it depends on the density of the fluid it's falling through and its cross-sectional area. A skydiver can change their terminal velocity by changing body position.
Yes, the same physics principle applies in any fluid. Objects sinking in water will reach a terminal velocity, which is much lower than in air due to water's higher density.
Because it metaphorically suggests that progress or improvement has halted, having reached an un-exceedable limit under current conditions.
The constant maximum speed a freely falling object reaches when the force of gravity is balanced by the drag force of the medium (e.
Terminal velocity is usually technical/scientific, figurative in register.
Terminal velocity: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtɜː.mɪ.nəl vəˈlɒs.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtɝː.mɪ.nəl vəˈlɑː.sə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Hit terminal velocity”
- “Reach one's terminal velocity (figurative)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a skydiver stopping accelerating: TERMINAL (ending) VELOCITY (speed). The speed where acceleration terminates.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS A JOURNEY (THROUGH A RESISTIVE MEDIUM); A LIMIT IS A TERMINAL/END POINT.
Practice
Quiz
In figurative language, 'terminal velocity' most often implies: