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
This is based partly on experience and partly on the drive failure data that Backblaze has been publishing for years now.
—
Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 18 Feb. 2025
Sensors capture physical parameters – such as temperature, vibration, or fluid flow – and process them locally to detect anomalies, predict equipment failures, and adjust workflows autonomously.
—Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
In Tennessee, authorities declared a state of emergency in Obion County following a levee failure that flooded the small community of Rives.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
Leonard Middle School has struggled academically for years, posting an F rating every year that the Texas Education Agency has released A-F accountability scores, except for 2022, when the agency didn’t award failure ratings.
—Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for failure 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 18 Feb. 2025
Sensors capture physical parameters – such as temperature, vibration, or fluid flow – and process them locally to detect anomalies, predict equipment failures, and adjust workflows autonomously.
—Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
In Tennessee, authorities declared a state of emergency in Obion County following a levee failure that flooded the small community of Rives.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 17 Feb. 2025
Leonard Middle School has struggled academically for years, posting an F rating every year that the Texas Education Agency has released A-F accountability scores, except for 2022, when the agency didn’t award failure ratings.
—Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Feb. 2025
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 23 Feb. 2025.
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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