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

downfallen

ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯ-lən 

adjective

Synonyms of downfall

• death
• destruction
• undoing
• ruination
• curse
• kiss of death
• ruin

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

In Martin’s books, the tourney was the catalyst for the downfall of House Targaryen. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 18 Feb. 2026

Haman’s downfall is not orchestrated by armies. —Rabbi Bruce D. Forman, Sun Sentinel, 17 Feb. 2026

All these factors contributed to his downfall. —Kristen Monroe, Chicago Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026

And when, in 1893, the story of the charismatic marquis became that of his precipitous downfall, then the legend began, leading up to the Nazi-fascist rediscovery of Morès in Vichy France. —Literary Hub, 17 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for downfall

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

Kids 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

downfallen

-ˌfȯ-lən 

adjective