Downfall
ˈdaʊnfɔːl
Definitions
2 meaningsA sudden failure or loss of power, success, or importance; ruin.
ˈdaʊnfɔːl
A sudden loss of power, success, or status.
The company's downfall was due to mismanagement and corruption.
💡 Simply: It's like when your favorite sports team loses the big game after being on top for a while. Or, when a popular person messes up and loses their popularity. It's the end of something good.
👶 For kids: When something good goes bad, like when your tower of blocks falls down.
More Examples
The scandal led to the politician's downfall.
His downfall was quick and unexpected.
How It's Used
"The politician's downfall came after a bribery scandal."
"The downfall of the Roman Empire was a complex event."
"The hero's downfall was brought about by his own pride."
The action or instance of falling down.
ˈdaʊnfɔːl
The act of falling down.
The earthquake resulted in the downfall of several buildings.
💡 Simply: When something physically falls, like a tree during a storm. It's just the act of it going down.
👶 For kids: When something falls down, like a tree or a building.
More Examples
Witnesses described the sudden downfall of the bridge.
How It's Used
"The downfall of the old building occurred during a storm."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
The writing is on the wall
A clear sign that something bad is going to happen.
"With sales down and the company in debt, the writing was on the wall."
From Middle English *dounfalle*, from Old English *dūnfæll* (“a falling down; overthrow”), equivalent to down + fall. Cognate with Dutch *donval* (“downfall”), German *Fall* (“fall”).
The term 'downfall' has been used since the 14th century to describe a decline or collapse.
Memory tip
Imagine a domino effect: the first domino topples, leading to the downfall of the entire chain.