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

Excellent article about Glen’s failures last year and the causes of them. — Jonathan Jones, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Everybody knows everyone else’s business, and everything hinges on the success or failure of the one good restaurant in town. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026

That’s no problem for them, because the failures occur years after the discussions, minimizing the political risk to those who voted for these misguided plans. — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026

In severe cases, the bacteria can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure and be life-threatening. — Megan Cerullo, CBS News, 19 Aug. 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