downfall
Translation
downfall, ruin, collapse
Examples
The scandal led to the politician's downfall.
The scandal led to the politician's downfall.
Greed was the cause of his downfall.
Greed was the cause of his downfall.
Grammar Patterns
the downfall of ((sb./sth.)) the ruin or failure of (sb./sth.) The scandal was the downfall of the company.
Similar Words
Synonyms: ruin, collapse, demise; Antonyms: rise, success
Etymology
From 'down' and 'fall'. It literally means a fall from a high position or status.
Memory Tips
Picture a king having a 'fall' 'down' from his throne to remember the meaning of ruin or collapse.