a sudden and complete loss of power, money, or success, a cause of someone's ruin or defeat

Formal and Informal Expressions of downfall

In different contexts, you can replace 'downfall' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'collapse, ruin' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'failure, defeat' is a commonplace synonym.

downfall: Explore its Definition & Usage

downfall Definition

1a sudden and complete loss of power, money, or success
2a cause of someone's ruin or defeat

Using downfall: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "downfall" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
His downfall was caused by his own arrogance.
Example
The company's downfall was due to poor management.
Example
The downfall of the empire was inevitable.
Example
The scandal led to the politician's downfall.

downfall Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for downfall

Antonyms for downfall

rise
triumph
success

Phrases with downfall

bring about someone's downfall
to cause someone to lose their position of power or success
Example
The scandal brought about the CEO's downfall.
the downfall of a tyrant
the end of a cruel and oppressive ruler's reign
Example
The people celebrated the downfall of the dictator.
lead to someone's downfall
to cause someone to fail or be defeated
Example
His addiction to drugs led to his downfall.

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Summary: downfall in Brief

The term 'downfall' [ˈdaʊnfɔːl] refers to a sudden and complete loss of power, money, or success, often caused by one's own actions or external factors. It can also refer to a cause of someone's ruin or defeat, as in 'The scandal led to the politician's downfall.' Phrases like 'bring about someone's downfall' and 'lead to someone's downfall' describe the process of causing someone to lose their position of power or success.