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

His game was based on his athletic prowess in the challenges and ability to provide food to camp, and hindered by his lack of social strategy, which proved to be his downfall each of the four times he’s previously returned. —Nic Juarez, Vulture, 12 May 2026

Despite the mall’s downfall, Francisco Salazar, 54, still enjoys walking the halls of Ford City — a hobby he’s held since before the turn of the millennium. —Audrey Pachuta, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2026

But if health played such a key role in the downfall of Orlando’s season — both in the regular season and playoffs — who’s to blame? —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2026

Following the downfall of Zhang and his lieutenant in January, an editorial published by the official PLA Daily newspaper accused the two former military leaders of undermining Xi’s ultimate authority while also reinforcing Xi’s message of zero-tolerance on corruption. —Steven Jiang, CNN Money, 7 May 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