downfall
pronunciation
How to pronounce downfall in British English:
UK [ˈdaʊnfɔ:l]
How to pronounce downfall in American English:
US [ˈdaʊnˌfɔl]
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- Noun:
- failure that results in a loss of position or reputation
- the falling to earth of any form of water (rain or snow or hail or sleet or mist)
- a sudden decline in strength or number or importance
Word Origin
- downfall (n.)
- "ruin, fall from high condition," c. 1300, from down (adv.) + fall (v.).
Example
- 1. This is the reason for the downfall of every dictatorship .
- 2. But the speed of his downfall suggested , at least , a well-organised plot .
- 3. Dictator 's downfall : afghanistan might be a just war .
- 4. Still , a123 's downfall isn 't deterring another small company from staying in the race .
- 5. As in nearly all human societies , scandals have sometimes led to the downfall of powerful japanese men .