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downfall (n.)

early 14c., "ruin, fall from high condition, complete overthrow," from down (adv.) + fall (v.). From c. 1500 as "a falling downward." Verbal phrase fall down in the sense of "go to ruin" is attested from late 12c.

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Definitions of downfall from WordNet

downfall (n.)
failure that results in a loss of position or reputation;
Synonyms: ruin / ruination
downfall (n.)
the falling to earth of any form of water (rain or snow or hail or sleet or mist);
Synonyms: precipitation
downfall (n.)
a sudden decline in strength or number or importance;
Synonyms: fall
From wordnet.princeton.edu