failure

noun

fail·​ure ˈfāl-yər How to pronounce failure (audio)
Synonyms of failure
1
a
: omission of occurrence or performance
specifically : a failing to perform a duty or expected action
failure to pay the rent on time
b(1)
: a state of inability to perform a normal function
kidney failure
compare heart failure
(2)
: an abrupt cessation of normal functioning
a power failure
c
: a fracturing or giving way under stress
structural failure
2
a
: lack of success
b
: a failing in business : bankruptcy
He was trying to rescue the company from failure.
3
a
: a falling short : deficiency
a crop failure
b
: deterioration, decay
4
: one that has failed
He felt like a failure when he wasn't accepted into law school.

Synonyms of failure

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Examples of failure in a Sentence

He became discouraged by his repeated failures in business. He was often crippled by his fear of failure. The accident was caused by engine failure. The patient was suffering from heart failure. The accident was caused by a failure to use proper procedures. She was criticized for failure to follow directions. The drought caused crop failure. He felt like a failure when he wasn't accepted into law school. The scheme was a complete failure.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
If our fleet shares infrastructure with competitors' fleets, coordination failure is a joint risk that no single board controls. — Anjana Susarla, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026 The agency has required the building’s owner to hire a third-party engineer to conduct a forensic evaluation — a formal investigation to determine the cause of the structural failure. — Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 9 July 2026 In industrial environments, on the other hand, industrial data is often on-premises and failure modes can be physically irreversible. — Amit Chaturvedy, Fortune, 8 July 2026 By Jessica Kim, Bloomberg British Columbia is exploring legal action against OpenAI for its failure to alert authorities to threats made on ChatGPT before the February mass shooting in the town of Tumbler Ridge. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for failure

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier failer, from Anglo-French, from Old French faillir to fail

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of failure was in 1643

Phrases Containing failure

Browse Nearby Words

fail to see/understand
failure
faimly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failure. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

failure

noun
fail·​ure ˈfā(ə)l-yər How to pronounce failure (audio)
1
a
: a failing to do or perform
failure to pass the test
b
: neglect of an assigned or expected action
failure to pay on time
c
: inability to perform a normal function well enough
heart failure
2
a
: a lack of success
failure in the campaign
b
: bankruptcy
a business failure
3
a
: a falling short : deficiency
crop failure
b
: a breaking down
a failure of memory
4
: one that has failed
the scheme was a complete failure

Medical Definition

failure

noun
fail·​ure ˈfā(ə)l-yər How to pronounce failure (audio)
: a state of inability to perform a vital function
acute renal failure
respiratory failure
see heart failure

Legal Definition

failure

noun
fail·​ure
1
: omission of occurrence or performance
specifically : a failing to perform a duty or expected action
a failure to mitigate damages
failure to prosecute
2
: a lack of success or adequacy
failure of a suit
3
: a failing in business

More from Merriam-Webster on failure

Nglish: Translation of failure for Spanish Speakers

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