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

• 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

But the ups and downs of the market are just one measure of AI’s impact, and even some of AI’s biggest critics say the downfall won’t happen overnight. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2025

Based on Peter Shaffer’s award-winning stage play, and adapted by Joe Barton (Black Doves, Giri/Haji, The Lazarus Project), the five-part reimagination explores the meteoric rise and mythic downfall of one of history’s most iconic composers — and rock star virtuoso of the 18th century, Mozart. —Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2025

Small children inside expensive vehicles have been the downfall of carjackers nationwide. —Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2025

Republican strategist Karl Rove on Thursday underscored the stakes of the Russia-Ukraine peace talks, saying failure to come to a resolution could be the downfall of President Trump’s presidency. —Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 21 Aug. 2025

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