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
• ruin
• ruination
• undoing

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 future of middle managers There’s a lot of pressure placed on middle managers – their actions can affect the success or downfall of a company. —Iese Business School, Forbes, 4 Sep. 2024

Zeus ultimately comes to fear his imminent downfall and the end of the world as mortals learn what the gods have in store for them. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 19 Aug. 2024

Kings and emperors from nations like ancient Mesopotamia often saw an eclipse as a sure sign of their downfall. —Briley Lewis, Popular Science, 15 Aug. 2024

Other people in show business appeared to revel in his downfall. —Carrie Battan, The New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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