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 first is to take what can easily be an excuse for failure and use it as fuel to succeed. —Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 2 Jan. 2026

Federal backlogs that leave longtime residents waiting years for work authorization are not abstract administrative failures. —Anabel Mendoza, Chicago Tribune, 2 Jan. 2026

For generations, the Fed declined to use it, instead cajoling the private sector to pick up the tab for costly bank failures. —Aaron Klein, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026

Connecticut should extend strong instruction and supports in reading and math into the upper elementary and middle grades, not wait for failure to show up in algebra. —Ct Mirror, Hartford Courant, 2 Jan. 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