Meaning & Definition of word "Windfall"
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Windfall
/ˈwɪndˌfɔːl/
noun:
- 1. An unexpected financial gain or piece of fortune, often in the form of a sudden profit or a large sum of money received unexpectedly.
- Example: Winning the lottery was a huge windfall that allowed her to buy a new house.
- 2. A piece of unexpected good fortune, especially financial.
- Example: The company received a windfall when a previously unknown mineral deposit was discovered on their land.
- 3. An unexpected gain, particularly a large amount of money, that comes suddenly.
- Example: The inheritance was a windfall that changed his life overnight.
- 4. A sudden or unexpected gain or advantage.
- Example: The unexpected sale of the property resulted in a financial windfall for the investors.
Etymology
The term comes from 'windfall fruit,' referring to fruit blown down by the wind, indicating unexpected good fortune.
Common Phrases and Expressions
windfall profits:
Unexpectedly high profits, usually due to favorable market conditions.
cash windfall:
An unexpected influx of cash or financial resources.
Related Words
fortune:
A large amount of money or assets.
unexpected gain:
An increase in wealth or advantage that is not anticipated.
Slang Meanings of windfall
Meaning: A lucky break that leads to financial gain.
Example Sentence: He hit it big with stocks, what a windfall!
Meaning: A surprise money gain.
Example Sentence: That tax refund was a sweet little windfall.