1
as in defeats
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disasters
something that has failed
the students' first attempt to build a homemade rocket was a disappointing failure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in shortages
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
4
as in bankruptcies
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 failures
The massive rocket has encountered a number of anomalies and failures since its debut in April 2023 ended in a premature explosion, including fiery mishaps both on the test stand and mid-flight that have attracted plenty of headlines.
—
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 13 May 2026
However, residents are still under a boil water order while crews continue testing and monitoring for additional failures.
—Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 13 May 2026
The report argues that one of the central failures of Amazon security policy has been the inability of governments to maintain a permanent presence in remote regions where criminal groups operate freely.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
The failures at every stage of the disaster response, from before the first spark to long after containment.
—Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Liberal influencers are publicly questioning Martin's refusal to release an internal report on the party's failures.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
Murdaugh’s attorneys appealed the murder convictions, saying the trial was tainted by the county clerk’s improper comments to jurors, prejudicial evidence and failures at trial.
—Dianne Gallagher, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
There are also two clear failures.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 12 May 2026
Farming more land than ever before, the brothers must work together to navigate the mounting pressures of climate change, equipment failures, and family tensions.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 6 May 2026
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 13 May 2026
However, residents are still under a boil water order while crews continue testing and monitoring for additional failures.
—Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 13 May 2026
The report argues that one of the central failures of Amazon security policy has been the inability of governments to maintain a permanent presence in remote regions where criminal groups operate freely.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
The failures at every stage of the disaster response, from before the first spark to long after containment.
—Literary Hub, 13 May 2026
Liberal influencers are publicly questioning Martin's refusal to release an internal report on the party's failures.
—ABC News, 13 May 2026
Murdaugh’s attorneys appealed the murder convictions, saying the trial was tainted by the county clerk’s improper comments to jurors, prejudicial evidence and failures at trial.
—Dianne Gallagher, CNN Money, 13 May 2026
There are also two clear failures.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 12 May 2026
Farming more land than ever before, the brothers must work together to navigate the mounting pressures of climate change, equipment failures, and family tensions.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 6 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for failures
Noun
-
All season long, the Wolves have relied on their resilience to bounce back from embarrassing defeats.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
Jake LaRavia, who played in all 82 games for the Lakers during the regular season, simply digressed when asked what the Lakers could have learned from the quartet of defeats.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
3 May 2026
Noun
-
Through skill, sacrifice and professionalism, our first responders have narrowly avoided major disasters, including the recent high-rise fire in Towson that could have ended far worse without rapid response and coordination on scene.—
Nick Stewart,
Baltimore Sun,
9 May 2026
-
That could leave states on the hook for millions of dollars to rebuild roads, schools and other infrastructure after tornadoes, floods and other disasters that do not cause enough widespread damage to meet the new criteria for federal assistance.—
Lauren Sommer,
NPR,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
The dress's origin is often attributed to lingerie designer Sylvia Pedlar, who developed the mini dress in 1942 in response to fabric shortages during World War II.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
-
Gas and diesel shortages have triggered more frequent power cuts in industrial zones.—
Julhas Alam,
Fortune,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
These crushing compliance costs have contributed to bankruptcies, job losses and consolidation within the industry.—
Robert Romano,
Boston Herald,
7 May 2026
-
The saving grace, for now, is that foreclosures and bankruptcies remain low by historical standards.—
Jill Schlesinger,
Mercury News,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Word of Olena’s infirmary spread throughout Mariupol’s central district, and locals caught in shellings and crossfire and building collapses came to seek her out.—
James Verini,
The Atlantic,
12 May 2026
-
Smith then humorously highlighted how Skip Bayless has crashed out over the years due to Cowboys’ playoff collapses and other failings by throwing jerseys and other merchandise away.—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
That the precise prose of this account, and numerous other anecdotes, is written with the kind of titanic certainty that would sway a jury is expected; what’s surprising, however, is Crenshaw’s candor in revealing her vulnerability and disappointments.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 May 2026
-
Breakouts would reinforce the prevailing uptrend, while disappointments could trigger near-term volatility and bring support levels in focus.—
Katie Stockton,
CNBC,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Ford’s freedom or constraints, his prejudices or lacks, gauge his moment and ours.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Dipping into 2027 draft capital to make a fifth-round selection in a draft that Schneider has repeatedly said lacks depth is a surprising move.—
Michael-Shawn Dugar,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Markets have soared and oil prices have dropped over the last week, however, amid anticipation that a deal could be close after weeks of talks and occasional setbacks.—
Peter Nicholas,
NBC news,
10 May 2026
-
Following the local election setbacks, the Prime Minister has faced calls to resign or to set a timetable to vacate his leadership position, including from members of his own Labour Party.—
Chandelis Duster,
NPR,
10 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Failures.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/failures. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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