downfall

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun failure that results in a loss of position or reputation
noun the falling to earth of any form of water (rain or snow or hail or sleet or mist)
noun a sudden decline in strength or number or importance

From down- + fall. In this spelling, from 16th century; spelled as two words from 13th century.

The regiment rejoiced at his downfall. — The Red Badge of Courage: An Episode of the American Civil War, Stephen Crane
“Then came the downfall of the tyrant. — His last bow : $b Some later reminiscences of Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle
Then the bald facts of his downfall. — Short Stories of Various Types, Unknown

ruin, ruination

Type a word, a sentence, a book title, or a link to an English article. WordNet and the Classics answer.

Try

A library of classics · a vault of words · instant etymology & meaning