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
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
Their downfall was the result of several bad decisions. Bad decision-making was their downfall.
Recent Examples on the Web Here's everything to know about Hammer and his downfall. 
Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 2 Sep. 2022 Lydia rides high, only to confront the rapid spectacle of her downfall. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Sep. 2022 After his release from prison, Tyson continued his downfall. Patrick Sauer, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Aug. 2022 His biggest outfield strength continues to be his throwing accuracy, ironically his downfall as an infielder. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 24 Aug. 2022 Berrois, with one out, started his downfall by hitting Austin Hedges. Paul Hoynes, cleveland, 12 Aug. 2022 Spira’s legal mind may have brought about his mental downfall. Lucinda Robb, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2022 The scandal that brought his downfall wasn’t Johnson’s first. Garret Martin, The Conversation, 7 July 2022 Isabella, who was only 35 years old at the time of her downfall, was held under house arrest for two years and then retired to lead a country life. Anne Thériault, Longreads, 21 June 2022 See More
Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 2 Sep. 2022 Lydia rides high, only to confront the rapid spectacle of her downfall. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 1 Sep. 2022 After his release from prison, Tyson continued his downfall. Patrick Sauer, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Aug. 2022 His biggest outfield strength continues to be his throwing accuracy, ironically his downfall as an infielder. Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press, 24 Aug. 2022 Berrois, with one out, started his downfall by hitting Austin Hedges. Paul Hoynes, cleveland, 12 Aug. 2022 Spira’s legal mind may have brought about his mental downfall. Lucinda Robb, Washington Post, 5 Aug. 2022 The scandal that brought his downfall wasn’t Johnson’s first. Garret Martin, The Conversation, 7 July 2022 Isabella, who was only 35 years old at the time of her downfall, was held under house arrest for two years and then retired to lead a country life. Anne Thériault, Longreads, 21 June 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Kids Definition
downfall
noun
down·fall ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯl
: a sudden fall (as from power, happiness, or a high position) or the cause of such a fall
the downfall of the Roman Empire
Greed proved to be his downfall.
downfall
noun
1
as in death
something that is the cause of one's ultimate failure or loss of life an insatiable love of money would be their downfall Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- death
- destruction
- undoing
- ruination
- ruin
- curse
- bane
- kiss of death
- torment
- tragic flaw
- Achilles' heel
2
as in deterioration
a change to a lower state or level the gradual downfall of the Roman Empire Synonyms & Similar Words
- deterioration
- degradation
- decline
- declination
- descent
- decadence
- destruction
- fall
- decrease
- eclipse
- degeneration
- ebb
- degeneracy
- devolution
- reduction
- downgrade
- declension
- dissolution
- disintegration
- decay
- loss
- dégringolade
- drop
- breakup
- ruination
- decomposition
- spoiling
- crumbling
- dark age
- slump
- sunset
- dip
- rotting
- ruin
- nadir
- debasement
- havoc
- depreciation
- decimation
- demolition
- downturn
- shrinkage
- diminution
- lowering
- lessening
- deflation
- abasement
- sag
- diminishment
- downslide
- demolishment
- falloff
- slip
- desolation
- abatement
- downtrend
- decrement
- drop-off
- de-escalation
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- rise
- development
- growth
- evolution
- ascent
- advancement
- upswing
- restoration
- flowering
- renewal
- revitalization
- increase
- enhancement
- blossoming
- addition
- gain
- flourishing
- boost
- increment
- raise
- supplement
- accrual
- accretion
- heightening
- addendum
- augmentation
3
as in demise
a loss of status an ill-advised speech that proved to be the cause of the candidate's downfall Synonyms & Similar Words
- demise
- down
- setback
- decline
- disappointment
- collapse
- undoing
- defeat
- fall
- comedown
- flameout
- reversal
- breakdown
- ruin
- dégringolade
- meltdown
- humiliation
- descent
- crash
- Götterdämmerung
- burnout
- disgrace
- nadir
- abasement
- bottom
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- rise
- progress
- ascent
- up
- advance
- exaltation
- aggrandizement
- headway
- flower
- prime
- heyday
4
as in rain
a steady falling of water from the sky in significant quantity we ducked under an overhang to shelter ourselves from the sudden downfall Synonyms & Similar Words
- rain
- storm
- downpour
- wet
- deluge
- rainstorm
- rainfall
- thunderstorm
- weather
- precipitation
- cloudburst
- shower
- thundershower
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- mist
- drizzle
- spit
- sprinkle
- scud
- mizzle