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downfall

/ˈdaʊnfɔːl/ noun

In Latin: ruīna Wiktionary

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about downfall at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

  1. Failure that results in a loss of position or reputation.
  2. The falling to earth of any form of water (rain or snow or hail or sleet or mist).
  3. A sudden decline in strength or number or importance.
    the fall of the House of Hapsburg

Origin

From down- + fall. In this spelling, from 16th century; spelled as two words from 13th century.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)