Entry Word: failure

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action <your failure to check the batteries in the smoke detector could have tragic results>

Synonyms default, delinquency, dereliction, neglect, negligence, oversight

Related Words carelessness, heedlessness, laxity

Near Antonyms compliance, discharge, fulfillment

2 a falling short of oneʼs goals <the failure of the schoolʼs fund-raising drive was a big disappointment to all>

Synonyms collapse, crash, cropper, defeat, fizzle, nonsuccess

Related Words futility, uselessness; ineffectiveness, ineffectualness; deficiency, inadequacy, insufficiency; disappointment, letdown, setback

Antonyms accomplishment, achievement, success

3 something that has failed <the studentsʼ first attempt to build a homemade rocket was a disappointing failure>

Synonyms bummer, bust, catastrophe, debacle (also débâcle), dud, fiasco, fizzle, flop, lemon, loser, turkey, washout

Related Words also-ran, disappointment, has-been; botch, hash, mess, muddle, shambles

Near Antonyms corker, crackerjack, dandy, jim-dandy, phenomenon

Antonyms blockbuster, hit, smash, success, winner

4 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> — see deficiency