downfall — The loss of power, prosperity, or status; a sudden decline or ruin. Can also refer to something that causes such a decline.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: The loss of power, prosperity, or status; a sudden decline or ruin. Can also refer to something that causes such a decline.
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdaʊnˌfɔːl/
Example Sentences
- The CEO's love for expensive coffee became his company's downfall when he spent the entire budget on a golden espresso machine.
- Social media addiction proved to be the downfall of many students' academic performance.
- His downfall was swift after the scandal broke.
downfall
NOUN[/ˈdaʊnˌfɔːl/]
The loss of power, prosperity, or status; a sudden decline or ruin. Can also refer to something that causes such a decline.
The loss of power, prosperity, or status; a sudden decline or ruin. Can also refer to something that causes such a decline.
One snowfall triggers his downfall, ending in a free-for-all!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English, formed by combining 'down' (meaning downward direction) and 'fall' (meaning to drop or collapse). This compound word literally describes the action of falling downward, which came to metaphorically represent ruin or collapse.
Breakdown
down (downward direction) + fall (to drop or collapse)
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“The CEO's love for expensive coffee became his company's downfall when he spent the entire budget on a golden espresso machine.”
“Social media addiction proved to be the downfall of many students' academic performance.”
“His downfall was swift after the scandal broke.”
“The empire's downfall took centuries, but the king's downfall took only one bad selfie.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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