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

It is something that would contribute to his downfall.

From BBC

The less charitable would call it inflexibility, a constant topic of debate that ultimately also played a part in his downfall.

From BBC

You can’t even place the downfall solely on the Los Angeles Unified School District, whose high schools compete in the City Section.

From Los Angeles Times

Brook has under-performed on this tour, regularly engineering his own downfall.

From BBC

The soggy weather is expected to continue through Tuesday with the heaviest downfalls tapering off by midday Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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