downfall
UK: ˈdaʊn.fɔːl | US: ˈdaʊn.fɑːl
n. a sudden loss of power, status, or success
n. something that causes ruin or failure
n. (archaic) a fall of rain or snow
The word "downfall" combines "down" (Old English dūne, meaning "from a higher to a lower position") and "fall" (Old English feallan, meaning "to drop or collapse"). It originally described literal descent (e.g., falling rain) but evolved metaphorically by the 16th century to signify ruin or collapse, particularly of power or reputation. The morphemes retain their core meanings, making the compound logically transparent.
The scandal led to the politician's dramatic downfall.
Greed was the downfall of many ancient empires.
Heavy downfall disrupted traffic in the city.
His addiction became his ultimate downfall.
The company's downfall began with poor financial decisions.