B2nounhistorypolitics
US/ˈdaʊn.fɑːl/
UK/ˈdaʊn.fɔːl/
the loss of power, success or wealth, or the cause of it
In context
Greed was the downfall of the once powerful company.
The scandal led to the downfall of the government.
His pride may be his downfall if he stops listening to advice.
Words that go with downfall
verb + preposition
- lead to the downfallPoor planning led to the downfall of the project.
noun + preposition
- the downfall ofThe downfall of the empire took many years.
verb + noun
- be his downfallGambling was his downfall.
- cause the downfallOne careless mistake caused his downfall.
- bring about the downfallCorruption helped bring about the downfall of the regime.
adjective + noun
- eventual downfallTheir eventual downfall surprised nobody.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
the downfall of the priceCorrect: the fall in the price