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
The broadcast is widely regarded as the deciding factor in McCarthy’s downfall.
—
Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2025
Things like build-out expenses, necessary equipment, staffing requirements, marketing needs and ongoing royalties can be the biggest catalyst for a new location's downfall.
—Seth Lederman, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
As long as the regime does not take that step, the lights will not go on — and the island’s gradual downfall will only accelerate.
—Andres Oppenheimer
september 17, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
His likability proved to be his downfall.
—Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for downfall
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Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2025
Things like build-out expenses, necessary equipment, staffing requirements, marketing needs and ongoing royalties can be the biggest catalyst for a new location's downfall.
—Seth Lederman, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
As long as the regime does not take that step, the lights will not go on — and the island’s gradual downfall will only accelerate.
—Andres Oppenheimer
september 17, Miami Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
His likability proved to be his downfall.
—Christopher Kuhagen, jsonline.com, 17 Sep. 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 Sep. 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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