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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Local disaster for Dutton compounds national defeat Dutton not only lost the national contest, but was also ousted from his own seat in the northeastern state of Queensland, in a shock defeat to Labor’s Ali France.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
4 May 2025
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Arteta did not disclose the exact nature of the problem but explained Timber, 23, was missing from the matchday squad for the weekend’s Premier League fixture due to a knock picked up in the first leg defeat against the Ligue 1 champions on Tuesday.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
Noun
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Former federal disaster response specialists and national environmental groups are concerned about the program office's ability to have the capacity to continue that mission and respond to emergencies like the Louisiana oil spill.—
Dan Ruetenik,
CBS News,
5 May 2025
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Inside, nine immersive galleries guide visitors through Belfast’s shipbuilding heritage, the grandeur of Titanic’s interiors, and the events leading up to the disaster, as well as the legacy that followed.—
David Nikel,
Forbes.com,
4 May 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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Big Lots has secured yet another partner in its comeback campaign, less than a year after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and announcing plans to close hundreds of stores.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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Helios and Matheson bought a majority stake in the company in 2017, and the service lowered its price to $9.95 a month, which gradually drove the company to bankruptcy.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
1 May 2025
Noun
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After years of neglect and mismanagement that allowed the building to fall into disrepair, the Mayfair’s new owner has invested or raised millions of dollars to make improvements in the building.—
Chris Higgins,
Kansas City Star,
21 Apr. 2025
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Relatives of a man who died in custody at the main county jail last year has amended its lawsuit against the city to include details of his arrest by Sacramento police that family members say show neglect of his medical needs.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
17 Apr. 2025
Noun
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There are 1,600 years of history to discover in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, a spectacular megastructure that has survived the collapse of empires.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
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Before the collapse of the Champlain Towers South Building in Surfside, the condo association had delayed some $15 million in repairs needed to address that building's structural damage.—
Greg Allen,
NPR,
3 May 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 9 May. 2025.
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