failure

noun

fail·​ure ˈfāl-yər How to pronounce failure (audio)
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
4
: one that has failed
He felt like a failure when he wasn't accepted into law school.

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 Insurance could also be affected by an HOA’s failure to follow the requirements of the law and governing documents. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2024 While the experience initially felt like a failure, my team was able to learn more about the volatility of the cannabis market and tailor future marketing campaigns to emphasize flexibility. Magen Baker, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2024 Officials in Vinnytsia had registered his failure to appear. Siobhán O'Grady, Washington Post, 4 Mar. 2024 According to the complaint, Musk’s termination letters to some of the executives explained that the source of their misconduct was a failure to cooperate with a government or internal investigation of Twitter, but the letters did not substantiate those allegations. Brian Fung, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 The project to remake antitrust law along progressive lines has so far been a failure. The Editors, National Review, 4 Mar. 2024 But analysts say this dynamic has been exacerbated by Israel’s failure to set in motion a plan for how the north will be governed. Patrick Kingsley, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2024 Following those bank failures, NYCB subsidiary absorbed the deposits and some loans from one of the institutions, Signature Bank. Kate Gibson, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2024 This case transcends a mere lawsuit centered on breach of contract, negligence, and a failure to adhere to fiduciary duties between potential competitors. Nizan Geslevich Packin, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'failure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near failure

Cite this Entry

“Failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failure. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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