downfall
noun
down·fall
ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯl 
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
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
David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images Between the downfall of Spirit Airlines and the surge in oil prices, Americans’ desire to travel is being put to the test this summer.
—
Alex Harring, CNBC, 26 May 2026
Martin began his major-league career at the beginning of the downfall of the Rick Hahn rebuild, then missed the 2023 season and most of 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery, making last year his first full season as a starter.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
That reputation, court insiders say, might have led to its downfall.
—Olga R. Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
This masterful drama retells the chain of events that led to the downfall of President Richard Nixon through the vantage point of the journalists who broke the story.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for downfall
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Alex Harring, CNBC, 26 May 2026
Martin began his major-league career at the beginning of the downfall of the Rick Hahn rebuild, then missed the 2023 season and most of 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery, making last year his first full season as a starter.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2026
That reputation, court insiders say, might have led to its downfall.
—Olga R. Rodriguez, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2026
This masterful drama retells the chain of events that led to the downfall of President Richard Nixon through the vantage point of the journalists who broke the story.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 23 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for downfall
Cite this Entry
“Downfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downfall. Accessed 27 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
downfall
noun
down·fall
ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯl
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
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