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

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
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.
On Wednesday evening, Emery returns to Paris, in the competition which ultimately caused his downfall at the Parc des Princes. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025 But Mike's past seems to catch up to him as a kingpin cartel widow, Isabel (Kate del Castillo), and her son Armando (Jacob Scipio) begin targeting people tied to her husband's downfall, including Mike. — Rendy Jones, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025 That makes Netanyahu’s future political security more tenuous than Putin’s, and more comparable to the Duterte situation, where a shift in government once the Philippine leader was out of office ultimately led to his downfall. — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 5 Apr. 2025 Koreshkov was not prepared for Jackson’s quick takedown attempt, which led to his downfall. — Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 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
downfalling
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Cite this Entry

“Downfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downfall. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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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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