1
as in negligence
the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action
your failure to check the batteries in the smoke detector could have tragic results
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in defeat
a falling short of one's goals
the failure of the school's fund-raising drive was a big disappointment to all
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disaster
something that has failed
the students' first attempt to build a homemade rocket was a disappointing failure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in shortage
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in bankruptcy
the inability to pay one's debts
years of prolonged economic depression, when business failures were common
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of failure
While the animation is serviceable, the failure to experiment with sneaker design is a missed opportunity.
—
Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
The massive power outage started at about 12:40 p.m. on April 16, when the Puerto Rico Governor's Office said a failure in the transmission of the electrical system plunged 1.4 million customers into darkness.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
That failure triggered the influx of many of today’s squad with only Christian Pulisic and Tim Ream remaining from the team that was humbled at the hands of the Caribbean nation.
—Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
An 8-year-old girl who died April 3 in a Lubbock hospital suffered from measles pulmonary failure.
Encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, in 1 out of 1,000 children.
—Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for failure
Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
The massive power outage started at about 12:40 p.m. on April 16, when the Puerto Rico Governor's Office said a failure in the transmission of the electrical system plunged 1.4 million customers into darkness.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
That failure triggered the influx of many of today’s squad with only Christian Pulisic and Tim Ream remaining from the team that was humbled at the hands of the Caribbean nation.
—Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
An 8-year-old girl who died April 3 in a Lubbock hospital suffered from measles pulmonary failure.
Encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, in 1 out of 1,000 children.
—Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for failure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for failure
Noun
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McClanahan has accused Stab’s of a civil rights violation, discrimination and negligence.—
David Chiu,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
-
The negligence, wrongful death lawsuit was filed in Miami-Dade County court Monday, and the family held a press conference Tuesday morning with their lawyer, Miami crime victim attorney Michael Haggard of the Haggard Law Firm, in a field across the street from Southpoint Crossing.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The striker, who has struggled to make an impact recently and was substituted at half-time in that defeat by City, produced an incredible finish to chip the Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya and make it 2-2 with seven minutes to go.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
24 Apr. 2025
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In the Dodgers’ eventual 7-6 defeat, what ensued became a game-deciding sequence of a very different kind for Ohtani.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The march happened after more disasters caused by climate change and pollution impacted the country.—
Julia Gomez,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2025
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After severe storms hit the state in mid-March, Sanders applied for disaster relief through FEMA, under what's known as a major disaster declaration.—
Luke Barr,
ABC News,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Progress in solving California’s unquestioned housing shortage can often be measured by the number of permits issued for new construction or conversions of existing office towers.—
Thomas Elias,
Mercury News,
25 Apr. 2025
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What these Deals Tell Us About Investor Demand The first quarter transactions in Brooklyn and Manhattan signal robust investor confidence in free market multifamily, driven by the appeal of assets with minimal regulatory constraints and the city's persistent housing shortage.—
Shimon Shkury,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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About The Daily Money Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
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But amidst all of that moral bankruptcy, at least one of the lot has emerged with their integrity intact.—
Mikey O'Connell,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Some states routinely charge women with child neglect or endangerment for drug use during pregnancy (and even prescription medications have raised alarms).—
Jessica Winter,
New Yorker,
21 Apr. 2025
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Anderson was arrested and charged with child neglect and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.—
KC Baker,
People.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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With the Soviet Union’s collapse, the United States enjoyed a margin of superiority that would have been unimaginable to earlier great powers.—
A. Wess Mitchell,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
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Congress should promote emergency and retirement savings, empowering families to protect themselves from fiscal collapse.—
Clyde Wayne Crews Jr.,
Forbes.com,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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His quickness getting across the crease, his evident athleticism, more than made up for any lack of experience.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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Additionally, only 10% of indie authors and publishers earn more than $10,000 annually, often due to a lack of promotional strategy.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/failure. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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