a downfall

USAGE SUMMARY

"a downfall" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts as long as it is clear from context what is meant. For example: "The company experienced a sudden downfall due to the financial crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was a downfall".

The New York Times

People, she added, "love a downfall.

Independent

"Hitler Finds Out" (a k a "Downfall").

The New York Times

I would consider it a downfall, a demotion.

The Guardian - Books

Over all, almost every player has a downfall; to me he doesn't have one.

The New York Times

| July 29 at 3: "Puzzle of a Downfall Child" (1970, Jerry Schatzberg).

The New Yorker

Sept. 5 at 7 and Sept. 7 at 9 15: "Puzzle of a Downfall Child" (1970).

The New Yorker

Waging a miniature Waterloo over shelf space: now, that's about a downfall.

The New York Times

FOR three years, the warnings that bonds were primed for a downfall smacked of crying wolf.

The New York Times

Tragedy, we're always told by the textbooks, involves a downfall from a great height.

The Guardian

The only real protection against such a downfall was purchasing only the safest loans.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a downfall", ensure the context clearly establishes what is experiencing the decline. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

While "a downfall" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "problem" or "disadvantage" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a downfall" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing a decline, collapse, or failure. This aligns with examples Ludwig provides, where it's used to denote negative outcomes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a downfall" is a common noun phrase used to describe a decline or failure. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the situation and choose simpler language when appropriate. When discussing problems or failures, using more specific words or "related terms" adds nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decline

Focuses on the process of decreasing or deteriorating, rather than a sudden collapse.

a fall from grace

Specifically refers to a loss of status, respect, or reputation.

a collapse

Emphasizes a sudden and complete failure or loss of effectiveness.

a deterioration

Highlights a gradual process of becoming worse.

a failure

Indicates a lack of success or the inability to meet a desired outcome.

a ruination

Stresses the state of being destroyed or severely damaged.

a descent

Suggests a downward movement or decline, often in a moral or social context.

a setback

Refers to a temporary delay or problem that prevents progress.

a reversal of fortune

Highlights a change from good luck or success to bad luck or failure.

a crash

Implies a sudden and forceful failure, often in a financial or economic sense.

FAQs

How can I use "a downfall" in a sentence?

You can use "a downfall" to describe a decline or failure, as in "The company's poor management led to "a downfall"."

What is a synonym for "a downfall"?

Alternatives to "a downfall" include "a decline", "a collapse", or "a failure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the downfall of"?

Yes, "the downfall of" is grammatically correct and commonly used to refer to the cause or reason behind a decline or failure, as in "the downfall of the Roman Empire".

What's the difference between "a downfall" and "a setback"?

"A downfall" suggests a significant and often irreversible decline, while "a setback" implies a temporary obstacle or delay. A setback can be overcome, but a downfall often signals a more substantial failure.