Fadeaway

A 'fadeaway' describes a type of jump shot, primarily in basketball, where a player leans backward while shooting, increasing the distance between themselves and a defender. This maneuver makes it more difficult for the defender to block the shot, but also decreases the shooter's stability and accuracy, making it a high-risk, high-reward play. The term can also metaphorically describe a gradual decline or disappearance, often referring to something losing its intensity, popularity, or presence over time. The visual imagery is of something slowly 'fading away' from view.

Fadeaway meaning with examples

• Michael Jordan was famous for his iconic Fadeaway jump shot. Defenders struggled to block the shot due to the increased separation. Mastering the Fadeaway requires significant practice to balance the increased difficulty with its benefits.
• After several failed attempts, the basketball player found a rhythm, successfully sinking a crucial Fadeaway shot to secure the win in the final seconds of the game.
• The popularity of the once-ubiquitous dial-up internet connection experienced a slow Fadeaway, giving way to faster broadband options as technology rapidly progressed over time.
• Due to the decreasing attendance and low ratings, the popularity of the sitcom had a slow, almost imperceptible Fadeaway over several seasons before cancellation.