fall vs downfall

fall and downfall both are nouns.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
fall	Yes	No	Yes	No
downfall	Yes	No	No	No

As nouns, fall and downfall are synonyms defined as:

fall (noun)	downfall (noun)
a sudden drop from an upright position	a sudden decline in strength or number or importance
the act of surrendering (usually under agreed conditions)	failure that results in a loss of position or reputation
a lapse into sin; a loss of innocence or of chastity	the falling to earth of any form of water (rain or snow or hail or sleet or mist)
a sudden sharp decrease in some quantity
a free and rapid descent by the force of gravity
a sudden decline in strength or number or importance
when a wrestler's shoulders are forced to the mat
a movement downward
a downward slope or bend
the season when the leaves fall from the trees
the time of day immediately following sunset

fall (verb)	downfall (verb)
occur at a specified time or place
decrease in size, extent, or range
pass suddenly and passively into a state of body or mind
be born, used chiefly of lambs
come out; issue
assume a disappointed or sad expression
begin vigorously
come as if by falling
be cast down
go as if by falling
fall or flow in a certain way
move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
move in a specified direction
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
slope downward
drop oneself to a lower or less erect position
lose an upright position suddenly
to be given by assignment or distribution
be captured
fall to somebody by assignment or lot; passed
come into the possession of
to be given by right or inheritance
be inherited by
lose office or power
yield to temptation or sin
suffer defeat, failure, or ruin
lose one's chastity
die, as in battle or in a hunt
be due
come under, be classified or included
touch or seem as if touching visually or audibly
fall from clouds