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
That was the case in the zombie failure of Bed Bath & Beyond.
—
Bernard Condon, Fortune, 7 June 2024
The failure of economic growth to yield more jobs is in large part the story of how India missed out on the manufacturing boom that played out in East Asia over recent decades.
—Peter S. Goodman, New York Times, 7 June 2024
Water temperatures of 60 degrees or lower can cause cold shock and result in swimming failure and drowning, while temperatures under 64 degrees can still cause hypothermia to set in quickly.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 June 2024
Severe Side Effects Severe side effects are rare but possible, like kidney failure.
—Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for failure 
Bernard Condon, Fortune, 7 June 2024
The failure of economic growth to yield more jobs is in large part the story of how India missed out on the manufacturing boom that played out in East Asia over recent decades.
—Peter S. Goodman, New York Times, 7 June 2024
Water temperatures of 60 degrees or lower can cause cold shock and result in swimming failure and drowning, while temperatures under 64 degrees can still cause hypothermia to set in quickly.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 6 June 2024
Severe Side Effects Severe side effects are rare but possible, like kidney failure.
—Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 6 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for failure
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.
Dictionary Entries Near failure
Cite this Entry
“Failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failure. Accessed 16 Jun. 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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