View synonyms for

downfall

[ doun-fawl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

descent to a lower position or standing; overthrow; ruin.
something causing ruin, failure, etc.:
Liquor was his downfall.
a fall, as of rain, snow, or the like, often sudden or heavy.
a trap using a falling weight for killing, injuring, or imprisoning the prey.

downfall

/ ˈ�岹ʊ��ˌ��ɔː�� /

noun

a sudden loss of position, health, or reputation
a fall of rain, snow, etc, esp a sudden heavy one
another word for deadfall

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Other Word Forms

��Ƿɲ�f��e�� adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of downfall¹

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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Her improbable success and unlikely downfall, and what her story says about belief and self-invention and fame, are in the lifeblood of Los Angeles.

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Francis, his earlier tenderness forgotten, saw her as “the old yellow hag who plots destruction and brings about the downfall of the world.”

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That led to divisions within the fanbase over former manager Gareth Taylor - but it was City's underwhelming performances that ultimately proved to be his downfall.

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European football is Emery's scene - and he will enjoy trying to plot PSG's downfall.

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It marks a dramatic downfall for a man who made his fortune in Russia and once rubbed shoulders with celebrities such as George and Amal Clooney.

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Related Words

Downey downfallen

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