Word
downfall
Phoneticsdown·fall, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdaʊnˌfɔɫ/
UK/dˈaʊnfɔːl/
Definitions
01loss of power or status
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. a sudden loss of power, success, or high position.
n. a precipitous decline in fortune, status, or power, often involving a total collapse of one's social or professional standing.
“The scandal led to the sudden downfall of the once-popular politician.”
“Historians continue to debate whether the empire's downfall was caused by external invasions or internal corruption and economic decay.”
02the cause of failure
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. the specific thing or mistake that causes someone to lose their power or success.
n. the specific agent, event, or character flaw that precipitates a loss of status or success.
“His greed was his downfall in the end.”
“While the company had many strengths, its refusal to adapt to new technology proved to be its ultimate downfall.”
03a heavy fall of rain or snow
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Literary
n. a very heavy fall of rain or snow.
n. a heavy and sudden descent of rain or snow from the sky.
“We were caught in a sudden downfall of snow while hiking.”
“The sudden downfall of rain turned the dusty mountain paths into treacherous streams within minutes.”
Usage
Usually refers to weather in a more dramatic or poetic context.
Real-World Examples
“Captain Callum McGregor admitted Celtic were masters of their own downfall in the first half.” “The programme was game-changing for its users - but as costs balloon, its success has led to its downfall.” Etymology
From down- + fall. In this spelling, from 16th century; spelled as two words from 13th century.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
The word in film
Downfall · 2004 · War
- Directed by:
- Oliver Hirschbiegel
- Starring:
- Bruno Ganz, Thomas Kretschmann, Alexandra Maria Lara
Director Oliver Hirschbiegel depicts the final days of Adolf Hitler inside his Berlin bunker as the Nazi regime collapses. Bruno Ganz stars in this historical drama about the complete loss of power and total defeat of a once-mighty political leader.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/downfall