Downfall

/ˈdaʊn.fɔːl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a sudden loss of power, prosperity, or status.

The politician's downfall was attributed to a series of scandals.

a fall in quality or condition.

The company's downfall began with poor management decisions.

a loss of happiness or benefit.

His downfall was the result of his inability to resist temptation.

the violent disintegration or ruination of something.

The downfall of the ancient civilization was marked by internal conflict.

a significant decline or setback.

The once-prominent actor experienced a dramatic downfall in his career after several flops.

Middle English, combining 'down' and 'fall'.

the downfall of

the cause of someone's failure or ruin

downfall comes after pride

a warning that pride can lead to one's ruin

to be on the brink of downfall

to be close to failure or disaster

collapse

a sudden failure of something that was strong

ruin

the state of being destroyed or extremely damaged

failure

lack of success in achieving something

hit rock bottom

After losing his job, he really hit rock bottom.

crash and burn

After her last business venture, it felt like she crashed and burned.