heart failure

noun

1

: a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood at an adequate rate or in adequate volume

2

: cessation of heartbeat : death

Examples of heart failure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure are also chronic diseases. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 18 July 2026

For 15 years, Monica McFarlan navigated the grueling reality of life with heart failure. — Janey Wetzel, PEOPLE, 11 July 2026

Johnson, 50, died suddenly of heart failure on June 7 at Franciscan Health Dyer in Dyer, Indiana, said his wife, Toya. — Bob Goldsborough, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026

The outlet also reported that Weinstein suffered heart failure due to a bout of pneumonia, and doctors have since placed the disgraced Weinstein Company mogul on an IV. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

heart failure

noun

1

: a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood at an adequate rate or in adequate volume compare angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, coronary failure, heart attack

2

: cessation of heartbeat : death