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

• death
• destruction
• ruin
• ruination
• undoing

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 giant's downfall, which shook consumer and investor confidence, reflected system issues in the entire sector. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025

Hurts threw six interceptions during that 1-6 downfall within a convoluted system Sirianni admitted grew stale. —Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025

The Hamas war also saw the downfall of Hezbollah, which joined the assault against Israel on Oct. 8. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Jan. 2025

One man's vanity and inability to realize that his beautiful girlfriend was playing him ultimately caused the downfall of an entire civilization. —Richard Edwards, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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

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