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Downfall: meaning, definitions and examples

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downfall

 

[ˈdaʊnˌfɔːl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

tragic outcome

A sudden and severe decline or deterioration, typically leading to ruin or destruction.

Synonyms

collapse, decline, destruction, ruin.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
downfall

This word is often used to describe the sudden and dramatic loss of power, status, or success.

  • The scandal led to his downfall.
  • The dictator’s downfall was celebrated by the citizens.
collapse

This term is used when something suddenly fails or falls apart, often referring to structures, organizations, or economies.

  • The bridge's collapse was due to poor maintenance.
  • The company faced a financial collapse.
ruin

This term often describes something that has been severely damaged or decayed, sometimes with a sense of irreversible harm.

  • The ancient castle now lies in ruin.
  • His gambling addiction led to financial ruin.
destruction

This word is appropriate when something is completely destroyed or made unusable, often used in violent contexts.

  • The hurricane left a path of destruction.
  • The war caused widespread destruction of infrastructure.
decline

Use this word for a gradual decrease in quality, quantity, or importance over time.

  • There has been a steady decline in the population.
  • The decline of traditional newspapers is evident.

Examples of usage

  • The downfall of the Roman Empire was caused by a combination of internal corruption and external invasions.
  • The stock market crash in 1929 marked the beginning of the economic downfall.
Context #2 | Noun

loss of power or prestige

A sudden loss of power, status, or prestige.

Synonyms

demise, disgrace, downgrade.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
downfall

Use this word to refer to a major decline or failure of a person, organization, or system, often due to a single catastrophic event or series of events.

  • The company's downfall was swift after the scandal broke.
  • Many historians debate what caused the downfall of the Roman Empire.
demise

This word is often used in a more formal or serious context to refer to death, the end of something, or the end of an era. It has a solemn or final tone.

  • The sudden demise of the CEO shocked everyone in the office.
  • The demise of the old theater marked the end of an era in our town.
downgrade

This term is usually used to describe a reduction in status, rank, or quality. It can apply to a wide range of situations from credit ratings to software versions.

  • The company's credit rating was downgraded due to poor financial performance.
  • Some users were unhappy after their favorite features were removed in the software downgrade.
disgrace

Disgrace refers to the loss of respect, honor, or esteem, often due to a socially or ethically unacceptable action and has a negative connotation.

  • He was forced to resign in disgrace after the corruption charges were proven.
  • The athlete's doping scandal brought disgrace to the entire sports community.

Examples of usage

  • The scandal led to the politician's downfall and resignation from office.
  • After the CEO's involvement in the scandal, the company experienced a rapid downfall in reputation.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'dūn' meaning hill or mountain and 'fall', which describes the action of falling down.
  • It has been used since the 14th century to signify a literal or metaphorical fall.
  • The combination of these two parts beautifully illustrates a decline from a high position.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', the character's ambition leads to his downfall, showcasing themes of power and consequence.
  • Classic tales often depict the downfall of heroes and villains alike, illustrating moral lessons about hubris or greed.
  • Modern literature frequently uses downfalls as a plot device to explore the human condition and the fragility of success.

Pop Culture

  • In music, many popular songs discuss the downfall of relationships, highlighting emotional struggles and loss.
  • Movies often portray protagonists whose downfalls come from poor choices, serving as cautionary tales.
  • Video games frequently incorporate downfall themes, where the player's character must confront their past mistakes to restore balance.

Psychology

  • Experiencing a downfall can lead to feelings of despair and loss of purpose, affecting mental health and self-esteem.
  • Cognitive biases can play a role where individuals might overlook warning signs before a downfall occurs.
  • Psychologists study patterns of behavior that can lead to downfalls, such as overconfidence and refusal to adapt.

History

  • Throughout history, many empires have faced downfalls due to external pressures, internal corruption, or inability to adapt to change.
  • The downfall of leaders often leads to revolutions, prompting significant societal shifts and changes in governance.
  • Economic downturns have historically led to the downfall of businesses and even entire industries, reshaping the job market.

Translations

Translations of the word "downfall" in other languages:

🇵🇹 queda

🇮🇳 पतन

🇩🇪 Niedergang

🇮🇩 kejatuhan

🇺🇦 занепад

🇵🇱 upadek

🇯🇵 没落 (ぼつらく)

🇫🇷 chute

🇪🇸 caída

🇹🇷 düşüş

🇰🇷 몰락

🇸🇦 سقوط

🇨🇿 pád

🇸🇰 pád

🇨🇳 衰落

🇸🇮 padec

🇮🇸 hrap

🇰🇿 құлдырау

🇬🇪 დაცემა

🇦🇿 düşmə

🇲🇽 caída