downfall
0 antonyms and opposites of downfall, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A sudden loss of power, status, or success.
How to use downfall
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From down- plus fall, originally written as two words as early as the 13th century.
Full origin of downfall →Frequently asked questions
What does “downfall” mean?
The word “downfall” means a sudden loss of power, status, or success. In plain terms, a sudden collapse from success or power, or whatever caused it.
How do you pronounce “downfall”?
“Downfall” is pronounced DOWN-fawl (/ˈdaʊnfɔːl/ in IPA).
How do you use “downfall” in a sentence?
Here is “downfall” used in a sentence: “Corruption charges led to the mayor's downfall.”
What part of speech is “downfall”?
“Downfall” is a noun.
Where does the word “downfall” come from?
The word “downfall” dates back to around 1200. From down- plus fall, originally written as two words as early as the 13th century.
Is “downfall” a common word?
“Downfall” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “downfall” have?
“Downfall” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sudden loss of power, status, or success.
What is the difference between "downfall" and "failure"?
"Downfall" specifically describes a sudden loss of power, status, or success, often after a period of prominence, while "failure" more broadly refers to not achieving a goal. A downfall implies a dramatic fall from a high position, such as a leader's downfall following a scandal.
Can "downfall" refer to a cause rather than the collapse itself?
Yes, "downfall" can also mean the specific cause of such a collapse, as in "greed was his downfall." In this usage, the word points to the factor responsible rather than the event of losing status.
Is "downfall" usually used about people or can it apply to organizations too?
"Downfall" can apply to both individuals and larger entities, such as companies, governments, or empires, whenever a sudden loss of power or success is being described. The word emphasizes the suddenness and severity of the decline.