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.
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
And when strategy is rolled out, is space built in for reflection, revision and learning, or is deviation still seen as failure?
—
Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Building failures, from malfunctioning boilers and coolers to plumbing and roof leaks, are increasingly occurring, some of them during high-profile medical and tech conventions, the most recent just a couple of months ago.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
The failure to adequately cover Biden’s decline points to a broader breakdown that has a simple explanation.
—Becket Adams, National Review, 25 May 2025
His official cause of death was acute hypoxic respiratory failure, which is a condition where the lungs aren't able to release enough oxygen into the bloodstream.
—Keith Langston, People.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for failure
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025
Building failures, from malfunctioning boilers and coolers to plumbing and roof leaks, are increasingly occurring, some of them during high-profile medical and tech conventions, the most recent just a couple of months ago.
—Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
The failure to adequately cover Biden’s decline points to a broader breakdown that has a simple explanation.
—Becket Adams, National Review, 25 May 2025
His official cause of death was acute hypoxic respiratory failure, which is a condition where the lungs aren't able to release enough oxygen into the bloodstream.
—Keith Langston, People.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for failure
Cite this Entry
“Failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failure. Accessed 3 Jun. 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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