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Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing

Windfall

noun / WIND-fawl / Easy
Meaning

An unexpected, sudden gain or profit — especially one arising from an external event or circumstance rather than one's own effort or skill

Origin / Etymology

Old English: literally 'fruit blown down by the wind' (i.e., fruit gathered without effort); extended metaphorically to mean any unexpected gain

Synonyms
Bonanza Godsend Jackpot Unexpected gain
Antonyms
Loss Deficit Shortfall
Example Sentence
"Domestic oil refiners booked a windfall when crude prices spiked, prompting the government to impose a windfall profit tax on their exports."
🎯 UPSC Usage

Use in GS3 Economy answers on taxation, energy policy, and fiscal policy. 'Windfall tax', 'windfall profits', and 'windfall gains' are standard terms in budget/taxation contexts. Also appears in GS3 environment (windfall benefits from carbon markets). In editorials, 'windfall' is used broadly for any unearned, event-driven gain.

Relevant Subjects
Economy
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