downfall

noun

down·​fall ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯl How to pronounce downfall (audio)
Synonyms of downfallnext
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 How to pronounce downfall (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of downfall

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Examples of downfall in a Sentence

Their downfall was the result of several bad decisions. Bad decision-making was their downfall.
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And now, a decade and a half after his downfall and disgrace, Galliano is set to be the focus of a major exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. — Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026 Wrestling with his role in Dez’s downfall does a number on our hero, the ramifications of which are felt throughout Season 2. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 2 Aug. 2026 Organizers say the exhibition will explore the relationship between artistic achievement and ethical accountability, rather than presenting a traditional narrative of downfall and redemption. — Robert Lang, Deadline, 31 July 2026 Slow-moving lenders were left holding the bag — the episode started the clock on Credit Suisse’s downfall — and prompted some banks to tighten their risk limits around such trades. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for downfall

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of downfall was in the 14th century

Rhymes for downfall

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Browse Nearby Words

down-faced
downfall
downfallen
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Cite this Entry

“Downfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downfall. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

downfall

noun
down·​fall ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯl How to pronounce downfall (audio)
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 How to pronounce downfall (audio)
adjective

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