Fiscal Cliff

B2 16+
Pronunciation Definitions Examples Grammatical Forms Origin and Evolution

Pronunciation: /ˈfɪskəl klɪf/

Definitions of fiscal cliff

noun A combination of the noun 'fiscal' (related to government revenue and spending) and the noun 'cliff' (a steep drop or decline), used metaphorically to describe a sudden and severe financial crisis.

Example Sentences

A1 I heard about the fiscal cliff on the news.

A2 The fiscal cliff could have a big impact on the economy.

B1 Many people are worried about the potential effects of the fiscal cliff.

B2 Experts are debating the best way to avoid going over the fiscal cliff.

C1 The government is working on a plan to prevent the country from falling off the fiscal cliff.

C2 The fiscal cliff negotiations are complex and involve many different factors.

Examples of fiscal cliff in a Sentence

formal The country faced a looming fiscal cliff as the deadline for budget negotiations approached.

informal I heard we might go over the fiscal cliff if they don't figure out a budget deal soon.

slang We're on track to drive off the fiscal cliff if Congress doesn't get its act together.

figurative Their reckless spending habits are leading them straight towards a fiscal cliff.

Grammatical Forms of fiscal cliff

plural

fiscal cliffs

comparative

more fiscal cliff

superlative

most fiscal cliff

present tense

facing a fiscal cliff

future tense

will face a fiscal cliff

perfect tense

has faced a fiscal cliff

continuous tense

is facing a fiscal cliff

singular

fiscal cliff

positive degree

fiscal cliff

infinitive

to face a fiscal cliff

gerund

facing a fiscal cliff

participle

faced fiscal cliff

Origin and Evolution of fiscal cliff

First Known Use: 2012 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The term 'fiscal cliff' originated in the United States to describe the looming combination of tax increases and spending cuts that were set to take effect at the end of 2012.
Evolution of the word: Initially used to refer to a specific economic event in the US, the term 'fiscal cliff' has since been more broadly applied to describe any situation where a government faces a significant budget deficit and the potential for economic crisis.