OpenSynonym

fall from grace

/fɔl frɒm greɪs/

VERB

1. Loss of divine favor through sin or wrongdoing

To lose God's favor or spiritual standing because of sinful behavior, disobedience, or violation of religious principles.

1.1. Sinning or violating moral and religious principles

Describes acting against religious teachings, moral standards, or accepted principles of conduct, resulting in spiritual wrongdoing or loss of divine favor.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • repent
  • reform
  • redeem

Examples

  • He feared that his repeated wrongdoing would cause him to fall from grace.
  • The religious leader believed that those who abandoned their faith had fallen from grace.

Related Words

  • sin
  • transgression
  • disobedience
  • backsliding
  • repentance
  • redemption
  • forgiveness

VERB

2. Loss of social position, prestige, status, or power

To decline from a previously respected or influential position, losing public esteem, reputation, authority, or social standing.

2.1. Losing reputation or public respect

Describes a formerly admired or respected person or organization that loses public approval and credibility because of scandal, misconduct, or disappointing behavior.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • regain favor
  • redeem
  • vindicate
  • restore one's reputation

Examples

  • The once beloved celebrity's scandalous behavior caused him to fall from grace in the eyes of the public.
  • The company fell from grace in the business community after its unethical practices were exposed.
  • The political leader's corruption scandal caused him to fall from grace among his supporters.
  • The athlete's career suffered a dramatic fall from grace after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

Related Words

2.2. Declining from a position of power or influence

Describes someone who loses authority, prominence, popularity, or influence after previously occupying a respected or powerful position.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • After years of political dominance, the minister began to fall from grace following a series of controversial decisions.
  • The once successful author experienced a fall from grace when his later works failed to resonate with readers.

Related Words