downfall
Translation
ruin, collapse, demise
Examples
Greed was his downfall.
Greed was his downfall.
The scandal led to the government's downfall.
The scandal led to the government's downfall.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.'s/sth.'s)) downfall the downfall of (sb./sth.) his downfall
Similar Words
Synonyms: ruin, collapse, demise; Antonyms: rise, success, ascent
Etymology
From 'down' + 'fall'. It literally means a fall from a high position or state of prosperity.
Memory Tips
Picture a king having a 'fall' 'down' from his throne. This image represents ruin and collapse.