a downfall of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a downfall of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a decline or failure associated with a person, organization, or situation. Example: "The sudden loss of funding was a significant downfall of the once-thriving startup."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

So it is not easy to bring about a downfall of Iran with these kinds of actions.

The New York Times

On Morocco's streets "people sat on mats, staring at the traffic like people who are expecting a downfall of volcanic ash that will bury them for centuries".

The New York Times - Books

TV-advertising revenues have suffered a double-digit drop in practically every European market – with some countries facing a downfall of up to 30percentt.

The Guardian

One of the Met's largest donors, financier Alberto Vilar, experienced a downfall of operatic proportions when he was sentenced to nine years in prison for having defrauded investors of a reported $20 million.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Still, it represents a downfall of a company that was one of the marquee brand names of the highflying dot-com era; for many months, it was among the top three most visited Internet portals.

The New York Times

In the past, teams have complained about the Wembley pitch being too heavy, but there was a downfall of rain here in North London yesterday, while today has been glorious sunshine – those conditions should make the surface soft but not boggy, ideal for two teams who prefer to play on the ground rather than relying on power tactics.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

These are not insurmountable, but do contribute to a possible downfall of a large multicentre randomized trial of follow-up strategies.

European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO)

Further, the model is completely independent of disease state fluctuations as an epidemic or a sudden downfall of the incidence as a post-ad-hoc control strategy.

Plosone

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

The New York Times

The really interactive sessions that took place over the last years…it's more like a downfall instead of an increase.

BMC Family Practice

Small kitchens are a common downfall of many apartments and houses (a great oversight in architectural planning, we feel).

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a downfall of" when describing a significant decline or failure, especially when referring to organizations, systems, or abstract concepts. Consider the context to determine if a more specific term like "collapse", "decline", or "failure" would be more appropriate.

Common error

While "a downfall of" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly dramatic in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "problem with" or "weakness of" in informal settings to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a downfall of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It often describes a cause or characteristic that leads to failure or decline, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a downfall of" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a cause or reason for decline or failure. Ludwig AI affirms its validity. Though less common than alternatives like "a decline of" or "a failure of", it finds use across News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants the level of formality, opting for simpler terms in casual settings. Always check which alternative phrase is closest to the meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a failure of

Emphasizes the lack of success or the inability to meet expectations.

a decline in

Focuses on the process of decreasing or diminishing, rather than the complete failure implied by "downfall".

a collapse of

Suggests a sudden and complete failure, often more dramatic than a general "downfall".

a deterioration in

Focuses on the process of something becoming worse or of lower quality.

a disintegration of

Implies a breaking apart or fragmentation of something previously whole.

the undoing of

Implies that something is being actively destroyed or ruined

a fall from grace

Specifically refers to a loss of status, respect, or favor, often after a period of success or prominence.

the ruin of

Suggests a more complete and devastating destruction.

a reversal of fortune

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

a slide into

Emphasizes a gradual descent or decline into a negative state or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "a downfall of" to describe the cause or result of a decline or failure. For instance, "The lack of innovation was "a downfall of" the company" indicates that the absence of new ideas led to the company's failure.

What can I say instead of "a downfall of"?

You can use alternatives like "a decline in", "a failure of", or "a collapse of" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the downfall of" or "a downfall of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "The downfall of" typically refers to a specific, well-defined entity or event, while "a downfall of" can refer to a more general or less specific instance of decline or failure.

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

"The downfall of" suggests a singular, definitive event or entity's ruin, whereas "a downfall of" implies one instance among possible causes for decline, or a less complete failure. The choice depends on context and the intended level of specificity.