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
But Hadder says the department’s downfall essentially hinged on Sawyer’s order.
—
Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
And then came the third quarter, the Heat’s period of downfall this season, with Boston finding its 3-point game and leaving it tied 74-74 going into the fourth — a 36-15 scoring edge in the period.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
However, Horton’s downfall, amid the collapse of the downtown office market, appears distinct from the Spreckels Building situation.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
For the monarchy, Mountbatten-Windsor's downfall has come in stages, from his stepping back from royal duties in 2019 to the loss of the His Royal Highness (HRH) status in 2022, followed by his princely title.
—Nick Duffy, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downfall
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Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026
And then came the third quarter, the Heat’s period of downfall this season, with Boston finding its 3-point game and leaving it tied 74-74 going into the fourth — a 36-15 scoring edge in the period.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026
However, Horton’s downfall, amid the collapse of the downtown office market, appears distinct from the Spreckels Building situation.
—Jennifer Van Grove, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Feb. 2026
For the monarchy, Mountbatten-Windsor's downfall has come in stages, from his stepping back from royal duties in 2019 to the loss of the His Royal Highness (HRH) status in 2022, followed by his princely title.
—Nick Duffy, NBC news, 5 Feb. 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 15 Feb. 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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