noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

demise

dih-MYZ

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Demise (noun) means the end or downfall of something, especially in a gradual or unfortunate way. Example: “The demise of the local newspaper left the town without local coverage.”

noun

The end or downfall of something, especially in a gradual or unfortunate way.

"The demise of the local newspaper left the town without local coverage."

"Poor management led to the demise of the once-popular chain."

"Online shopping led to the slow demise of many high street shops."

A formal or literary word for death.

"News of his sudden demise shocked the community."

"After the old king's demise, his daughter took the throne."

"The will was read soon after the demise of their grandfather."

How to use demise

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe end of something — often used for death, but also for the collapse or decline of a business, project, or institution.

When to use it

Formal; sounds stiff or overly dramatic if used casually about small setbacks.

Common pairings

the demise of sudden demise lead to the demise of

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: demises
Third person singular: demises
Past tense: demised

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of the local newspaper left the town without local coverage.

Etymology

From Old French démise, feminine past participle of démettre ("to relinquish"), from Latin demittere. The "death" sense developed as a euphemism, since a person's death was often the legal event that triggered the transfer of an estate.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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downfall collapse end passing dissolution dying death

Antonyms

life

Related words

time life last end point stop death fall

Rhymes for demise

rise wise vise Lise arise noise raise anise guise poise Elise Boise

See all rhymes for demise →

Frequently asked questions

What does “demise” mean?

The word “demise” means the end or downfall of something, especially in a gradual or unfortunate way. In plain terms, the end of something — often used for death, but also for the collapse or decline of a business, project, or institution.

How do you pronounce “demise”?

“Demise” is pronounced dih-MYZ (/dɪˈmaɪz/ in IPA).

How do you use “demise” in a sentence?

Here is “demise” used in a sentence: “The demise of the local newspaper left the town without local coverage.”

What part of speech is “demise”?

“Demise” is a noun.

Where does the word “demise” come from?

The word “demise” comes from Latin.

Is “demise” a common word?

“Demise” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “demise” have?

“Demise” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the end or downfall of something, especially in a gradual or unfortunate way.

What is the difference between demise and death?

Demise can mean death in a formal or literary sense, but it is also commonly used more broadly to describe the end or downfall of something, such as a company, plan, or era. "Death" is used only for the end of a living being's life, while demise extends metaphorically to the failure or collapse of institutions and projects.

Can demise be used for things other than people?

Yes, demise is frequently applied to the end or downfall of non-living things, such as "the demise of the newspaper industry" or "the demise of a business." This figurative use, describing a gradual or unfortunate ending, is one of its most common modern applications.

Is demise a formal word?

Demise is generally considered formal or literary, making it more common in news reports, obituaries, and business writing than in casual conversation. In everyday speech, people are more likely to say "death" or "end" instead.

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