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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of failure
While many assume lack of credit is the main barrier to success, CEO Daniel Bradley emphasizes a deeper truth: cash flow issues—not just access to capital—are often the root cause of business failure.
—
Jon Stojan, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Stories of failure on both sides of the debate are prevalent.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025
Many of us in today’s West have suffered the same failure of imagination.
—Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025
As the 50th anniversary of his evacuation flights neared, Berry, now 80, was asked how long Americans would remember the Fall of Saigon, which brought to a close one of the US military’s greatest failures.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for failure
Jon Stojan, USA Today, 1 May 2025
Stories of failure on both sides of the debate are prevalent.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 May 2025
Many of us in today’s West have suffered the same failure of imagination.
—Margaret MacMillan, The Atlantic, 30 Apr. 2025
As the 50th anniversary of his evacuation flights neared, Berry, now 80, was asked how long Americans would remember the Fall of Saigon, which brought to a close one of the US military’s greatest failures.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 30 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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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
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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
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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Maryland officials said that the state had hired a consulting firm, Moffatt & Nichol, last year to do the assessment as part of a $160 million project initiated last spring in the wake of the Key Bridge collapse.—
Dan Belson,
Baltimore Sun,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The lack of border security created real problems for Americans, including crimes such as human trafficking and drug smuggling.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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More news: Lakers' Luka Doncic Shredded Over Major Postseason Struggle Nevertheless, the Lakers ran out of gas in the first round of the playoffs against a scrappy Timberwolves team, and their lack of a big man proved to be their downfall.—
Noah Camras,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/failure. Accessed 6 May. 2025.
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