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
That unchecked creative freedom is ultimately what led to the Genius Group’s downfall.
—
Maria Cristina Pavarini, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
Its downfall triggered a liquidity crunch in China's property sector, which faced a slump in sales and prices and still has not fully recovered.
—ABC News, 18 May 2026
Disgraced former South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh’s dramatic downfall was sealed following a sensational six-week 2023 trial in which he was convicted of murdering his wife and son.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
His downfall with the Jets was that the organization couldn’t find a quarterback.
—Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for downfall
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Maria Cristina Pavarini, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
Its downfall triggered a liquidity crunch in China's property sector, which faced a slump in sales and prices and still has not fully recovered.
—ABC News, 18 May 2026
Disgraced former South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh’s dramatic downfall was sealed following a sensational six-week 2023 trial in which he was convicted of murdering his wife and son.
—Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
His downfall with the Jets was that the organization couldn’t find a quarterback.
—Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for downfall
Cite this Entry
“Downfall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/downfall. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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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