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
The beginning of the downfall of Andrew, everyone agrees, can be traced to that fateful 2019 Newsnight interview where Andrew confirmed his connection with Epstein.
—
Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 Mar. 2026
Point guard Pat Bala scored 13 points San Juan Hills contributed to its downfall with 19 runovers and by giving up 15 offensive rebounds to the Gators.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026
Many felt the loss of DeRosa and the addition of Milton Bradley led to the Cubs’ downfall in 2009.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
What looks to have caused his downfall was a refusal by smaller racecourse owners — and in particular Arena Racing Company (ARC), whose 16 courses include Chepstow, Newcastle and Wolverhampton — to support the idea of an independent BHA board.
—Ian King, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downfall
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Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 15 Mar. 2026
Point guard Pat Bala scored 13 points San Juan Hills contributed to its downfall with 19 runovers and by giving up 15 offensive rebounds to the Gators.
—Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026
Many felt the loss of DeRosa and the addition of Milton Bradley led to the Cubs’ downfall in 2009.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026
What looks to have caused his downfall was a refusal by smaller racecourse owners — and in particular Arena Racing Company (ARC), whose 16 courses include Chepstow, Newcastle and Wolverhampton — to support the idea of an independent BHA board.
—Ian King, CNBC, 11 Mar. 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 19 Mar. 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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