downfall

noun

down·​fall ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯl How to pronounce downfall (audio)
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 adjective

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 But November’s verdict marked the association’s biggest setback yet — and ultimately led to the downfall of the rules that have long protected its compensation model. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 15 Mar. 2024 The half-hour tracks Abed and the group's rise to power, the eventual schism with Jeff (who hates not being in control), and the hubris that leads to their downfall, while also telling a touching story about Abed's desire to fit in. Chancellor Agard, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 Through various conflicts, Hero Group causes the downfall of Place, leading to the ruin of the Good or Bad people living there. Erik Kain, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Dell told Fortune that risk-taking has been his greatest advantage in business, and a downfall of other major corporations. Sydney Lake, Fortune, 23 Feb. 2024 But Take Note The only downfall is the size of the tube. Phoebe Sklansky, Parents, 7 Mar. 2024 As the moon and Jupiter clash, overconfidence can be your downfall! USA TODAY, 7 Mar. 2024 The downfalls of Bedtime Procrastination Unfortantley, bedtime procrastination can cause sleep deprivation. Dominique Fluker, Essence, 7 Mar. 2024 The track, a sparse ballad that details the downfall of a relationship from different perspectives, took home an award for best country duo/group performance at the 2024 Grammys. Ilana Kaplan, Peoplemag, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'downfall.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of downfall was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near downfall

Cite this Entry

“Downfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downfall. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

downfall

noun
down·​fall ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯl How to pronounce downfall (audio)
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 adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on downfall

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!