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 of downfall

• death
• destruction
• undoing
• ruination
• curse
• kiss of death
• ruin

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 second episode… [is about] the fall of the group, precipitating [John Pearson’s] leaving, the downfall. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 16 June 2026

That commodification of wildlife would lead to the downfall of nearly every large mammal in North America. —Literary Hub, 10 June 2026

His demanding job was ultimately the downfall of their relationship, and a common theme in the early seasons of the show. —Rachel Labonte, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026

The Gulf War and Iraq War, the latter leading to the downfall of dictator Saddam Hussein, brought two waves of turmoil and division. —Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

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

Rhymes for downfall

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale

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