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
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
Barry’s downfall sent shockwaves through a city that once put her approval rating over 70 percent.
—
Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 18 July 2025
Hannah obviously isn't the only one at fault in their downfall as a couple, but her decision making certainly leaves something to be desired.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 18 July 2025
In response to Yanukovych’s downfall, abetted by American meddling to some greater or lesser extent, Putin moved into Crimea and aided rebels in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas provinces in their armed struggle against the new pro-Western Ukrainian regime.
—Samuel Moyn, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
The show focused on the downfall of exotic animal dealer Joe Exotic and other participants in the big-cat business.
—Hollie Silverman
jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for downfall
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Kelly Puente, The Tennessean, 18 July 2025
Hannah obviously isn't the only one at fault in their downfall as a couple, but her decision making certainly leaves something to be desired.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 18 July 2025
In response to Yanukovych’s downfall, abetted by American meddling to some greater or lesser extent, Putin moved into Crimea and aided rebels in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas provinces in their armed struggle against the new pro-Western Ukrainian regime.
—Samuel Moyn, Harpers Magazine, 16 July 2025
The show focused on the downfall of exotic animal dealer Joe Exotic and other participants in the big-cat business.
—Hollie Silverman
jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for downfall
Cite this Entry
“Downfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downfall. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
downfall
noun
down·fall
ˈdau̇n-ˌfȯl
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
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