failure

noun

fail·​ure ˈfāl-yər 

1

a

: omission of occurrence or performance

specifically : a failing to perform a duty or expected action

failure to pay the rent on time

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

: deterioration, decay

4

: one that has failed

He felt like a failure when he wasn't accepted into law school.

Synonyms of failure

• negligence
• neglect
• default

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

The Panthers have made tweaks to their roster in the wake of that failure, adding Brady Tkachuk via trade from Ottawa to play alongside his brother Matthew, and bringing in center Lars Eller and defenseman Alexander Petrovic. — Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 15 July 2026

Flights are constantly monitored by air traffic control, so pilots have support if there is a navigation failure. — Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026

Google also performed experiments with its V6e Trillium TPU compute tray and found that, over time, ionizing radiation can cause device failures. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 15 July 2026

In a confessional at the start of this week’s episode, Luke tries to redress his failure to communicate with Gen as an intentional attempt to guard Gen’s feelings in the middle of the charter. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier failer, from Anglo-French, from Old French faillir to fail

First Known Use

1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing failure

• congestive heart failure
• heart failure

Kids 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

Legal Definition

failure

noun

fail·​ure

1

: omission of occurrence or performance

specifically : a failing to perform a duty or expected action

a failure to mitigate damages

failure to prosecute

2

: a lack of success or adequacy

failure of a suit

3

: a failing in business