1
a
: omission of occurrence or performance
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
4
: one that has failed
He felt like a failure when he wasn't accepted into law school.
Synonyms
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
Real failure is letting your ego drive the bus of your life right off the cliff.
—
Kate Guadagnino, New York Times, 21 Nov. 2024
The failure of Rodgers to produce anywhere close to his usual level while with the Packers will be a stain on Douglas’ resume.
—Dennis Waszak Jr., Twin Cities, 19 Nov. 2024
While Smell the Glove is a commercial failure that nearly spells the end of Spinal Tap, the all black album cover serves some important lessons for business owners.
—Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024
Interestingly, his support from most major voter groups approximated George W. Bush’s in 2004 — and his failures helped cost Republicans the White House just four years later.
—Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for failure 
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Kate Guadagnino, New York Times, 21 Nov. 2024
The failure of Rodgers to produce anywhere close to his usual level while with the Packers will be a stain on Douglas’ resume.
—Dennis Waszak Jr., Twin Cities, 19 Nov. 2024
While Smell the Glove is a commercial failure that nearly spells the end of Spinal Tap, the all black album cover serves some important lessons for business owners.
—Paul Fitzgerald, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024
Interestingly, his support from most major voter groups approximated George W. Bush’s in 2004 — and his failures helped cost Republicans the White House just four years later.
—Carl Leubsdorf, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for failure
Dictionary Entries Near failure
Cite this Entry
“Failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failure. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
failure
noun
fail·ure
ˈfā(ə)l-yər 
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
: a state of inability to perform a vital function
acute renal failure
respiratory failure
see heart failure
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