downfall
word
Definition
A sudden loss of power, success, or status, usually leading to failure or ruin; sometimes also used for a heavy fall of rain or snow.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly formal or literary; often used with phrases like 'cause of someone's downfall'. Refers to dramatic or significant falls from power. Less commonly refers to heavy rain or snow (UK English). Not used for tripping or physical falling.
Spanish: caída - ruina - desgraciaPortuguese (BR): queda - ruína - queda repentinaPortuguese (PT): queda - ruína - queda súbitaChinese (Simplified): 垮台 - 崩溃 - 没落Chinese (Traditional): 垮臺 - 崩潰 - 沒落Hindi: पतन - विनाशArabic: سقوط - انهيارBengali: পতন - ভারী বৃষ্টি/তুষারপতনRussian: падение - крушение - сильный снегопад/ливеньJapanese: 没落 - 失脚 - 大量の降雪／降雨Vietnamese: sự sụp đổ - trận mưa lớn/tuyết rơi lớnKorean: 몰락 - 쇠퇴 - 폭우/폭설Turkish: çöküş - büyük yağış (kar/yağmur)Urdu: زوال - شدید بارش (بارش یا برف)Indonesian: kejatuhan - kemunduran - hujan/salju lebat
Example Sentences
His arrogance brought about his own downfall.
natural
The scandal led to his downfall.
basic
Many believe greed was the company's downfall.
basic
Social media was both his rise and his downfall.
natural
There was a heavy downfall of snow last night.
natural
The king's downfall was sudden.
basic