downfall

noun

down·​fall ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯl How to pronounce downfall (audio)
1
a
: a sudden fall (as from power)
b
: a fall (as of snow or rain) especially when sudden or heavy
2
: something that causes a downfall (as of a person)
gambling was his downfall
downfallen adjective

Examples of downfall in a Sentence

Their downfall was the result of several bad decisions. Bad decision-making was their downfall.
Recent Examples on the Web But Take Note The only downfall is the size of the tube. Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024 As the moon and Jupiter clash, overconfidence can be your downfall! USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 The downfalls of Bedtime Procrastination Unfortantley, bedtime procrastination can cause sleep deprivation. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 7 Mar. 2024 The track, a sparse ballad that details the downfall of a relationship from different perspectives, took home an award for best country duo/group performance at the 2024 Grammys. Ilana Kaplan, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024 Chula Vista’s races have been among the most hotly contested in San Diego County following the political downfall of former Cardenas. Tammy Murga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 WeWork’s downfall was predictable: the reason for their bankruptcy, despite their huge demand, is clearly tied to their business model. Dasha Shunina, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 There have been several signs in the past couple of years that commercial real estate was headed toward a major downfall. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2024 But that is also its downfall as people fall into the trap of thinking a hurricane's winds, storm surge and flooding rain will fit neatly inside the confines of the fuzzy white funnel, and that the tropical cyclone will track down the middle. The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'downfall.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of downfall was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near downfall

Cite this Entry

“Downfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downfall. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

downfall

noun
down·​fall ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯl How to pronounce downfall (audio)
1
: fall sense 2c
especially : a sudden or heavy fall (as of rain)
2
: a fall (as from power, happiness, or high position) or a cause of such a fall
downfallen adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on downfall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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