What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
undoing
Example
I accidentally deleted my work, and now I have to undo all my changes. [undoing: noun]
Example
His undoing was his inability to control his temper. [undoing: noun]
Example
Her lies were her undoing, and she lost the trust of everyone around her. [undoing: noun]
downfall
Example
The company's downfall was due to poor management decisions. [downfall: noun]
Example
His addiction was his downfall, and he lost everything he had worked for. [downfall: noun]
Example
The downfall of the empire was caused by internal conflicts and external invasions. [downfall: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Downfall is more commonly used than undoing in everyday language. Downfall is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while undoing is less common and is typically used in specific contexts, such as technology or software development.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between undoing and downfall?
Both undoing and downfall are formal words and are typically used in serious or professional contexts.