downfall

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "downfall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a great loss or disaster, the ruin or decline of someone or something, or an abrupt and sudden downfall or collapse. Example sentence: The basketball team's sudden downfall shocked their loyal fans.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Iran is sending arms to Assad because they know his downfall would be a strategic defeat for them.

The New York Times

It was that last motivation which led to his downfall.

The Guardian - Tech

The reasons are complex: ever-increasing paranoia (particularly for women hitching alone), the advent of cheap coach travel in the 1980s and cheap flights in the 1990s all play a part in this downfall.

The Guardian - Opinion

They believe the blame for Carole's psychological downfall lies with credulous, satanist-obsessed therapists who went along with her claims that she'd been sexually menaced.

The Guardian

He described harsh government controls in restive Xinjiang and Tibet as "ridiculous national policy", and also attacked a now-disgraced security tsar for abuse of power, before his downfall.

The Guardian

Messy downfall constantly predicted, but he stunned everyone by joining the cast of NYPD Blue and looking very much at home.

The Guardian - Film

For understandable reasons, the press has largely spun this as the latest episode in the downfall of Tesco.

The Guardian - Opinion

(Indeed, Gundlach has been one of the beneficiaries of Gross's downfall, pulling in some of the money that investors have yanked from Pimco Total Return).

The Guardian - Money

The steamroller was to prove unstoppable all the way to the mass riots of 1990 after its introduction into England and Wales – and its role in triggering Thatcher's downfall six months later.

The Guardian

If like me, you are the age when being a top-flight professional athlete is now officially – rather than merely practically – impossible, try to remember this whenever you read a news story about the downfall of our society.

The Guardian - Opinion

As much as rival clubs' supporters, or ones without vested interests, may take a delight in this very public downfall, the overriding sensation is surely one of sadness.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "downfall", ensure the context clearly indicates what is declining or failing. Be specific about the subject experiencing the downfall to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "downfall" is a versatile term, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "failure" or "setback" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The noun "downfall" functions primarily to denote a significant decline or ruin, often of a person, entity, or system. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use, as seen in numerous examples of its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "downfall" is a versatile noun that effectively conveys a significant decline or ruin. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse sources. While grammatically correct, consider the context when choosing it, as simpler terms may be more appropriate in informal settings. Remember to be specific about what is experiencing the "downfall" to avoid ambiguity. Its frequent use in news and formal contexts emphasizes its role in describing serious and often irreversible declines.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

collapse

Refers to a sudden and complete failure or loss of effectiveness.

decline

Indicates a gradual deterioration or loss of power, quality, or vigor.

fall from grace

Specifically refers to a loss of status, respect, or popularity, often due to a mistake or scandal.

ruin

Suggests complete destruction or irreversible damage.

demise

Implies the end or termination of something, often in a formal or euphemistic way.

failure

A more general term indicating a lack of success or a disappointing outcome.

undoing

The cause of someone's or something's ruin or failure.

debacle

Suggests a sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco.

catastrophe

Denotes a large-scale disaster or tragedy.

crash

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

FAQs

How can I use "downfall" in a sentence?

You can use "downfall" to describe a loss of power, wealth, or status. For example: "His arrogance led to his downfall."

What words are similar to "downfall"?

Similar words include "collapse", "decline", "ruin", and "demise". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the downfall of the economy"?

Yes, "the downfall of the economy" is grammatically correct and conveys a significant decline or failure of the economic system.

What's the difference between "downfall" and "failure"?

"Downfall" suggests a more dramatic and complete loss, often from a high position. "Failure" is a more general term for not achieving a desired outcome.