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
From Friday evening to Saturday afternoon, the Norman station predicts that the majority of the downfall will include snow ice accumulations.
—
Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 21 Jan. 2026
Dote catered to a younger YouTube-era audience, offering popular lifestyle creators, including Emma Chamberlain, Olivia Jade and Hannah Meloche, ongoing, age-appropriate versions of the Trippin’ treatment, before a controversial Coachella trip in 2019 ultimately led to the brand’s downfall.
—Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
One of the Miami Hurricanes’ biggest downfalls last season was their lack of cornerback depth, and how quickly that was exposed as soon as injuries hit.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2026
The inability to get stops late proved to be the Horned Frogs’ downfall as TCU made 12 straight field goals in the final 10 minutes of the game.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downfall
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Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 21 Jan. 2026
Dote catered to a younger YouTube-era audience, offering popular lifestyle creators, including Emma Chamberlain, Olivia Jade and Hannah Meloche, ongoing, age-appropriate versions of the Trippin’ treatment, before a controversial Coachella trip in 2019 ultimately led to the brand’s downfall.
—Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 19 Jan. 2026
One of the Miami Hurricanes’ biggest downfalls last season was their lack of cornerback depth, and how quickly that was exposed as soon as injuries hit.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 17 Jan. 2026
The inability to get stops late proved to be the Horned Frogs’ downfall as TCU made 12 straight field goals in the final 10 minutes of the game.
—Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downfall
Cite this Entry
“Downfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downfall. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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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