the only downfall

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the only downfall" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a singular disadvantage or negative aspect of a situation, product, or idea. Example: "The only downfall of this new software is its steep learning curve."

✓ Grammatically correct

TechCrunch

BBC

Huffington Post

WikiHow

The Guardian

The New York Times

Los Angeles Times

Forbes

Vice

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

The only downfall is that the Shed is rather large.

TechCrunch

But that's just about the only downfall the HMX10C has as far as I can tell.

TechCrunch

Finding a network to connect to is really the only downfall of the S50c.

TechCrunch

The only downfall I've come across so far is that you can't actually create one POI.

TechCrunch

The Scot, also 23, told BBC Sport: "The only downfall is the fact you have to walk miles to get to the rink.

BBC

The only downfall to cooking with garlic or onions is the smell that they leave on your hands.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

With the only materials needed being tape and scissors, this method's only downfall is the precision and time it takes.

WikiHow

Such as the mad poet Dexter in Quarter 3, homed in the New York mental asylum, who's only downfall is his knowledge.

The Guardian

"The only other downfall, was the nasty dent it made on my love life," she said.

The New York Times

The only real downfall to the Lumia 900 is AT&T — that and the lack of 3rd party apps.

TechCrunch

The only real downfall of that experience was having to go back to Kentucky every summer and work at the paper mill to pay for school.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "the only downfall" with a balanced perspective. Acknowledge the positive aspects of the subject before highlighting its primary disadvantage to maintain objectivity.

Common error

Avoid using "the only downfall" if the disadvantage is minor or subjective. Ensure that the identified downfall is a substantial and objective issue, not a matter of personal preference or trivial concern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the only downfall" functions as a noun phrase, specifically identifying a single, significant disadvantage or failing point. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound, and examples show it commonly points out the most problematic aspect of a subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the only downfall" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase for identifying the single most significant disadvantage or failing point of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's frequently found in news, media and general contexts. When using the phrase, ensure that the identified downfall is substantial and not a trivial concern. Consider alternatives like "the sole disadvantage" or "the single drawback" for similar emphasis. Always maintain objectivity by acknowledging the positive aspects before highlighting the primary disadvantage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sole disadvantage

Focuses on the uniqueness of the disadvantage, similar to "only".

the single drawback

Emphasizes that there is just one negative aspect.

the main weakness

Highlights a primary area of vulnerability or deficiency.

the chief failing

Draws attention to a principal flaw or imperfection.

the principal shortcoming

Stresses a major deficiency or inadequacy.

the one limitation

Points out the singular boundary or restriction.

the biggest flaw

Highlights a significant imperfection or fault.

the major impediment

Emphasizes the significant obstacle or hindrance.

the key obstacle

Identifies a crucial barrier or challenge.

the critical disadvantage

Highlights the importance of the negative aspect.

FAQs

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

Use "the only downfall" to point out a single, significant disadvantage of something. For example, "The only downfall of the new phone is its high price."

What are some alternatives to "the only downfall"?

You can use alternatives like "the sole disadvantage", "the single drawback", or "the main weakness" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "the only downfall" or "the main downfall"?

"The only downfall" emphasizes that there is just one significant disadvantage, while "the main downfall" suggests that it is the most important among multiple disadvantages. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation.

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

"The only downfall" refers to a single, unique disadvantage, whereas "a downfall" simply means a cause of failure or decline, without necessarily being the only one. For example: "His arrogance was a downfall" means it was one of multiple factors, while "His arrogance was the only downfall" indicates it was the sole cause.