Pronunciation: ˌ d ā - ˌ gra n ( ŋ )-g ə - ' läd
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from dégringoler to tumble down, from Middle French desgringueler, from des- de- + gringueler to tumble, from Middle Dutch crinkelen to make curl, from crinc, cring ring, circle
Date: 1873
: a rapid decline or deterioration (as in strength, position, or condition) : DOWNFALL