downfall

American  

[doun-fawl] / ˈdaʊnˌfɔl /

noun

1. descent to a lower position or standing; overthrow; ruin.

2. something causing ruin, failure, etc..

   Liquor was his downfall.

3. a fall, as of rain, snow, or the like, often sudden or heavy.

4. a trap using a falling weight for killing, injuring, or imprisoning the prey.

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downfall British  

/ ˈdaʊnˌfɔːl /

noun

1. a sudden loss of position, health, or reputation

2. a fall of rain, snow, etc, esp a sudden heavy one

3. another word for deadfall

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Other Word Forms

• downfallen adjective

Etymology

Origin of downfall

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; down ¹ + fall

Example Sentences

Still, the post-Oscar slump exists nonetheless, fueled by a world that enjoys building people up before laughing at their downfall.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2026

The energy crisis intensified after Maduro’s downfall in early January.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

Following Mugabe's downfall, it represented the country's foreign affairs and international trade ministry for several years to improve US relations.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

They’ll get into the psychodrama of Kit Harrington’s Henry Muck, the thrilling parallels to real world stories, the tragic downfall of Eric Tao, and more.

From Slate • Mar. 3, 2026

Written tests were his downfall because he could not speak them, and as a result he got grades which were barely passing.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles

Related Words

• breakdown
• collapse
• debacle
• destruction
• deterioration
• overthrow
• undoing