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

Advertisement Jamie’s downfall unfolds in waves. —Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 14 Nov. 2025

Ozzie’s trauma becomes the catalyst behind his substance abuse, which ultimately becomes his downfall that takes his life in the end. —Giana Levy, Variety, 13 Nov. 2025

He is accused of kidnapping activists during the 1998 mass protests that led to Suharto’s downfall. —Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025

Not even Jaxson Dart’s emergence could save him, though Dart’s concussions — and Daboll’s response — likely led to the coach’s downfall. —Chris Branch, New York Times, 11 Nov. 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