The word “downfall” refers to a sudden or significant decline in the status, success, or fortune of someone or something. It is often used to describe a loss of power, wealth, or position, typically brought about by misfortune, mistakes, or negative circumstances. The term can apply to both individuals and organizations, symbolizing a dramatic fall from a high point. A downfall may be the result of external events, such as scandals or failures, or internal factors, like poor decisions or moral corruption.
Example Sentences
- The scandal marked the beginning of his downfall, as he lost his reputation and career.
- The company’s financial mismanagement led to its downfall.
- His arrogance was the downfall of his leadership, causing him to lose support from his allies.
- The hero’s downfall in the story came when he betrayed his friends.
- The king’s downfall was swift and dramatic after the betrayal by his closest advisor.
- Despite the early success, the team’s downfall came when their best players were injured.
- His addiction was the downfall of his once-promising career.
- The empire’s downfall was caused by internal corruption and external invasions.
- The CEO’s downfall occurred after his unethical behavior was exposed to the public.
- The company’s downfall was inevitable once they failed to adapt to market changes.
Synonyms
- Collapse
- Demise
- Ruin
- Defeat
- Decline
- Failure
- Disintegration
- Downturn
- Fall
- Catastrophe
Antonyms
- Rise
- Success
- Triumph
- Prosperity
- Advancement
- Growth
- Victory
- Flourishing
- Ascendancy
- Boom
Related Words
- Decline
- Fall from grace
- Collapse
- Tragedy
- Crisis
- Setback
- Descent
- Disgrace
- Loss
- Downturn
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Fall apart: To break down completely, leading to a downfall.
- Come undone: To fall into a state of disorder or collapse, signaling a downfall.
- Fall from grace: To lose one’s status or position due to mistakes or misdeeds, often leading to a downfall.
- Go under: To fail or collapse, particularly in a business or financial sense, indicating a downfall.
Idiomatic Expressions
- Hit rock bottom: To reach the lowest point in one’s life or career, often signaling a downfall.
- The writing is on the wall: A phrase indicating that something is about to fail or experience a downfall.
- Fall from grace: A moral or social decline, often associated with a downfall due to unethical actions.
- Go down in flames: To fail or collapse spectacularly, often associated with a dramatic downfall.
- A house of cards: Something fragile or unstable that is prone to collapse or downfall.
The word “downfall” typically describes a significant and often irreversible decline in fortune, position, or status. It is frequently used in contexts involving the loss of power, wealth, or success, and can be linked to both personal and organizational failures. The synonyms highlight the various ways in which a downfall can manifest, while the antonyms emphasize success, growth, and triumph. Downfall is often tied to moments of crisis or collapse, and the related phrasal verbs and idiomatic expressions show the different ways that people and entities experience and describe such declines.