Downfall (Noun)
Meaning 1
The falling to earth of any form of water (rain or snow or hail or sleet or mist).
Classification
Nouns denoting natural phenomena.
Examples
- The sudden downfall of heavy rain caused the river to overflow its banks.
- The downfall of sleet made the roads extremely slippery and caused multiple accidents.
- The region's downfall of mist was so thick it limited visibility to just a few feet.
- The area experienced a downfall of golf-ball-sized hail that damaged buildings and crops.
- The downfall of snow made the ski resort a popular destination during the winter season.
Synonyms
Hypernyms
Hyponyms
Meaning 2
Failure that results in a loss of position or reputation.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural events.
Examples
- His refusal to adapt to changing market trends ultimately led to his downfall as a successful business owner.
- The corrupt politician's downfall came when evidence of her embezzlement scheme was leaked to the press.
- Her arrogant attitude and poor treatment of her staff were the downfall of her promising career in management.
- The company's downfall was a direct result of their failure to invest in new technology and innovative ideas.
- His downfall as a respected member of the community was swift after he was caught in a public scandal.
Synonyms
Meaning 3
A sudden decline in strength or number or importance; "the fall of the House of Hapsburg".
Classification
Nouns denoting natural events.
Examples
- The corrupt business practices would ultimately lead to the company's downfall due to the loss of trust from its customers.
- The sudden increase in competition marked the downfall of the small family-owned store.
- His inability to adapt to new technologies contributed to the downfall of his career as a software engineer.
- The empire's downfall began with a series of costly wars that depleted its resources and weakened its military.
- Poor fiscal management was the major factor in the downfall of the once-thriving city, forcing it to declare bankruptcy.