FAILURE:! Synonyms: 127 Similar and Opposite Words

failure

noun

ˈfāl-yər

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

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

as in bankruptcy

the inability to pay one's debts years of prolonged economic depression, when business failures were common

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of failure During the broadband explosion in the late 1990s, the broadband services division of Enron aimed to sell unused capacity on its network of fiber optic cables prior to the company’s spectacular failure. —

Tobias Burns, CNBC, 12 May 2026 That pump's failure has been blamed for the second of two power outages in the moments leading up to the collision. —

Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 12 May 2026 However, Rayner resigned as deputy last year following a scandal over her failure to pay enough property tax on a second home. —

Isa Soares, CNN Money, 12 May 2026 Similar story in Milwaukee, where Antetokounmpo’s Bucks went all in for Damian Lillard and have nothing but failure to show for it. —

Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for failure

Recent Examples of Synonyms for failure

Noun

Finally, homeowners insurance generally covers burst pipes, roof damage and falling limbs when the damage is sudden and unexpected, but claims can be denied if insurers find negligence — like shutting off the heat or skipping pipe insulation, per guidance from the Texas Department of Insurance.

— Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026
Broward Circuit Judge David Haimes announced in court that the plaintiff, Hall, was dropping accusations of assault and battery, while Hill was willing to settle a claim of negligence.

— Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026