downfall

noun

down·fall | \ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯl

Definition of downfall

1a : 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

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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

The 61-year-old Lasseter, easily recognizable for his bright Hawaiian shirts, is the highest-ranking Hollywood executive to be toppled in the wake of the #MeToo movement that followed Harvey Weinstein's downfall in October. — CBS News, "John Lasseter, Pixar co-founder, to leave Disney at end of year," 8 June 2018 Success on these issues is more important than any one person, Price's downfall occurred more rapidly than that of some other top aides to Trump, who held their grip on power after evidence of ethical lapses first appeared. — Amy Goldstein And Mark Berman, chicagotribune.com, "Former HHS secretary Tom Price's air travel wasted $341,000 in government funds, watchdog says," 13 July 2018 At the time of Weinstein's downfall last fall, some 140 people worked at the indie film and television company. — Tatiana Siegel, The Hollywood Reporter, "Weinstein Co. Lays Off 20-Plus Employees," 11 July 2018 Ariana Grande Grande’s ultra high heels may have been her literal downfall during a Toronto concert. — Lydia Price, PEOPLE.com, "13 Brave Singers Who Survived Absolutely Brutal Stage Falls," 9 July 2018 In the early 1980s, during the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos, political activists sought sanctuary and the church was instrumental in Mr. Marcos’ downfall in a people power revolt in 1986. — Jake Maxwell Watts, WSJ, "Catholic Church Opens Sanctuaries to the Hunted in Philippines Drug War," 5 July 2018 The final verdict seems to point to a countless number of facts and situations that caused the tragic downfall. — Randy Cordova, azcentral, "In revealing documentary 'Whitney,' a superstar's life unravels," 5 July 2018 Among the Russians meeting with the Republicans Tuesday was Sergei Kislyak — the former Russian ambassador to Washington whose communications with Michael Flynn led to the former national security adviser’s downfall. — Washington Post, BostonGlobe.com, "Republican lawmakers come to Moscow, raising hopes there of US-Russia thaw," 3 July 2018 Among the Russians meeting with the Republicans on Tuesday was Sergey Kislyak — the former Russian ambassador to Washington whose communications with Michael Flynn led to the former national security adviser’s downfall. — Anton Troianovski, Washington Post, "Republican lawmakers come to Moscow, raising hopes there of U.S.-Russia thaw," 3 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'downfall.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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14 Oct 2018

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The first known use of downfall was in the 13th century

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More Definitions for downfall

downfall

noun

English Language Learners Definition of downfall

: a sudden loss of power, happiness, success, etc.

: something that causes failure

See the full definition for downfall in the English Language Learners Dictionary

downfall

noun

down·fall | \ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯl

Kids Definition of downfall

: a sudden fall (as from power, happiness, or a high position) or the cause of such a fall the downfall of the Roman Empire Greed proved to be his downfall.