Pronunciation: [dˈa͡ʊnfɔːl] (IPA) 
The word downfall is spelled as /daʊnˌfɔl/. The "d" is pronounced as "d" and "ow" is pronounced as "aʊ" which also involves the sound of "o" and "u" as in "cow." The "n" is pronounced as "n," and "fall" is pronounced as "fɔl." This word means a sudden and complete loss of power, status or wealth, typically brought about by some dramatic event.
Downfall is a noun that refers to a sudden and significant decline, deterioration, or downfall, typically in one's personal or professional status, power, reputation, or fortune. It is often used to describe the collapse or downfall of individuals, nations, companies, or even ideas. This term implies a considerable fall from a previously elevated position, resulting in a reduced state or a complete loss.
In specific contexts, downfall can be associated with various negative consequences or events that lead to a person's undoing or downfall. These may include moral or ethical failures, poor decision-making, catastrophic mistakes, personal weaknesses, external pressures, economic downturns, scandals, or legal troubles. The concept of downfall frequently carries a sense of inevitability, suggesting that certain actions or circumstances eventually lead to an individual's ultimate decline.
The term may also extend beyond individuals and refer to the downfall of groups or entire societies. It encapsulates the idea of an irreversible and often dramatic shift from a position of influence, prosperity, or authority into a state of ruin or insignificance. Downfall can serve as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the fragility of success and the potential consequences of our actions. Overall, it conveys the idea of a sudden, significant, and usually negative change in status, fortune, or reputation.
Ruin; destruction; ruin by violence or decay; sudden fall or depression.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "downfall" originated from Middle English and has roots in two separate Old English terms: "dūne", meaning "down" or "from a higher to a lower position", and "feallan", meaning "to fall". These two terms were combined to form the Middle English word "dounfallen", which meant "to fall down", "to be overthrown", or "to collapse". Over time, "dounfallen" was contracted to "downfall", which has been used since the late 15th century to signify a sudden or significant decline, ruin, or defeat.
