downfall
n. countable B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈdaʊnˌfɔɫ// UK //dˈaʊnfɔːl// down·fall
n. a sudden loss of power, status, or success. It describes the moment when someone or something important fails or loses influence.
n. the sudden loss of power, status, or prosperity; a decline from a position of strength. Typically used with the definite article 'the' to refer to a specific historical or personal event.
The scandal marked the company's downfall.
Poor financial planning led to the quick downfall of the once-successful startup.
Historians often cite the king's refusal to compromise as the primary cause of his eventual downfall and the end of his dynasty.
From down- + fall. In this spelling, from 16th century; spelled as two words from 13th century.