fallout

Meanings

Plural: fallouts

Noun

• the radioactive particles that settle to the ground after a nuclear explosion
• any adverse and unwanted secondary effect
  • "a strategy to contain the fallout from the accounting scandal"
• The event of small airborne particles falling to the ground in significant quantities as a result of major industrial activity, volcano eruption, sandstorm, nuclear explosion, etc.
• The particles themselves.
• A negative side effect; an undesirable or unexpected consequence.
• A declined offer in a sales transaction when acceptance was presumed.
• The person who declines such an offer.
• An impromptu guest used to fill in for another guest spot who is a no-show or who has cancelled last minute.

Synonyms

blowback, radioactive dust, repercussions, side effect

Related Words

rainout, smokefall