1.
A ~ slope or drop is very steep and often dangerous.
The town is perched on the edge of a steep, ~ cliff.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
~ly
The ground beyond the road fell away ~ly.
ADV: usu ADV after v, also ADV adj
2.
A ~ change is sudden and unpleasant.
The stock market’s ~ drop frightened foreign investors...
ADJ: usu ADJ n
~ly
The company has seen its profits fall ~ly over the past few years.
ADV: ADV with v
3.
A ~ action happens very quickly and often without being planned.
...a ~ decision.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
~ly
They’ve got to act ~ly to make the deals.
ADV: usu ADV with v, also ADV adj