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
Lorch’s downfall in 2002 was an earthquake in the city’s youth-basketball circles.
—
Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2025
That agenda temperature check, however, could be Ciattarelli’s downfall.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025
Still, the Expos' downfall is not without its villains.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Karen’s downfall is documented in 4K for all to see.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downfall
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Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2025
That agenda temperature check, however, could be Ciattarelli’s downfall.
—Rachel Schilke, The Washington Examiner, 16 Oct. 2025
Still, the Expos' downfall is not without its villains.
—Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Karen’s downfall is documented in 4K for all to see.
—Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 13 Oct. 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 19 Oct. 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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