1
as in negligence
the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action
your failure to check the batteries in the smoke detector could have tragic results
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2
as in defeat
a falling short of one's goals
the failure of the school's fund-raising drive was a big disappointment to all
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3
as in disaster
something that has failed
the students' first attempt to build a homemade rocket was a disappointing failure
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4
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
the failure of the potato crop had a devastating effect on the population of Ireland
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5
as in bankruptcy
the inability to pay one's debts
years of prolonged economic depression, when business failures were common
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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