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
Swalwell’s downfall was particularly swift; his 16-year political career imploded over a single weekend.
—
Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026
Swalwell’s downfall might even show that, if old-school journalism can still mete out consequences for bad behavior, new media can sometimes accelerate this process, rather than dilute it.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
Weinstein’s precipitous downfall came after the New Yorker and The New York Times published explosive investigative reporting in late 2017 accusing him of habitually preying on women from his powerful perch in Hollywood and blacklisting those who rejected him.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2026
But suspending his campaign for governor may not arrest his downfall.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downfall
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Robert Abitbol, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2026
Swalwell’s downfall might even show that, if old-school journalism can still mete out consequences for bad behavior, new media can sometimes accelerate this process, rather than dilute it.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 15 Apr. 2026
Weinstein’s precipitous downfall came after the New Yorker and The New York Times published explosive investigative reporting in late 2017 accusing him of habitually preying on women from his powerful perch in Hollywood and blacklisting those who rejected him.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2026
But suspending his campaign for governor may not arrest his downfall.
—Dan Walters, Oc Register, 14 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 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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