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
While there’s no telling what the next two films might have in store for her character, knowing the traditionalism of ritualism of the village, there is perhaps some allusion to Arthur’s sister Morgana, who became his downfall.
—
Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025
But Dehghani speculated that such a move would probably expand the war and end in Khamenei’s downfall, as a rival faction would then be motivated to seize the reins and seek peace with the United States.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 22 June 2025
Two centuries after his downfall, Napoleon remains both revered and controversial in France -- but above all, unavoidable.
—Arkansas Online, 20 June 2025
Your demise will be final, and your downfall will be total and complete.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for downfall
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Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025
But Dehghani speculated that such a move would probably expand the war and end in Khamenei’s downfall, as a rival faction would then be motivated to seize the reins and seek peace with the United States.
—Arash Azizi, The Atlantic, 22 June 2025
Two centuries after his downfall, Napoleon remains both revered and controversial in France -- but above all, unavoidable.
—Arkansas Online, 20 June 2025
Your demise will be final, and your downfall will be total and complete.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for downfall
Cite this Entry
“Downfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downfall. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.
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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