downfall

UK: /ˈdaʊnfɔːl/ US: /ˈdaʊnˌfɔl/ ,(doun′fôl′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

down•fall /ˈdaʊnˌfɔl/   n. 

1. overthrow;
   ruin:
   [uncountable] the downfall of the dictator.
2. something causing this:
   [uncountable] Drugs were his downfall.
3. a sudden fall of rain or snow:
   [countable* usually singular] caught in a bad downfall.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

down•fall  (doun′fôl′), n. 

1. descent to a lower position or standing;
   overthrow;
   ruin.
2. something causing ruin, failure, etc.:
   Liquor was his downfall.
3. a fall, as of rain, snow, or the like, often sudden or heavy.
4. a trap using a falling weight for killing, injuring, or imprisoning the prey.

• 1250–1300; Middle English; see down¹, fall

down′fall′en, adj. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

downfall / ˈdaʊnˌfɔːl/ noun

1. a sudden loss of position, health, or reputation
2. a fall of rain, snow, etc, esp a sudden heavy one
3. another word for deadfall