failure

[ feyl-yer ]

noun

1. an act or instance of failing fail or proving unsuccessful; lack of success:

   His effort ended in failure.

   The campaign was a failure.

2. nonperformance of something due, required, or expected:

   a failure to do what one has promised;

   a failure to appear.

3. a subnormal quantity or quality; an insufficiency:

   the failure of crops.

4. deterioration or decay, especially of vigor, strength, etc.:

   The failure of her health made retirement necessary.

5. a condition of being bankrupt by reason of insolvency.
6. a becoming insolvent or bankrupt:

   the failure of a bank.

7. a person or thing that proves unsuccessful:

   He is a failure in his career.

   The cake is a failure.

failure

/ ˈfeɪljə /

noun

1. the act or an instance of failing
2. a person or thing that is unsuccessful or disappointing

   the evening was a failure

3. nonperformance of something required or expected

   failure to attend will be punished

4. cessation of normal operation; breakdown

   a power failure

5. an insufficiency or shortage

   a crop failure

6. a decline or loss, as in health or strength
7. the fact of not reaching the required standard in an examination, test, course, etc
8. the act or process of becoming bankrupt or the state of being bankrupt

Other Words From

• non·failure noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of failure¹

First recorded in 1635–45; fail + -ure; replacing failer “a fault, default,” from Anglo-French (noun use of infinitive), for Old French faillir

Example Sentences

In July, the legal case against Baldwin, who was on trial for manslaughter, was dismissed due to the prosecution's failure to turn over evidence to the defense.

From Salon

The Archbishop of Canterbury is to remain in post until the new year following his resignation over his failure to report prolific child abuser John Smyth.

From BBC

But he stresses that the success or failure ultimately depends on global trends in people smuggling, over which UK ministers have little control.

From BBC

He also challenged Lyons over his failure to attend any GAA matches.

From BBC

The lawyer behind the claim, Tom Kherkher - himself a popular YouTuber on legal affairs - says the failure to deliver the game forms only part of the case.

From BBC

Related Words

• bankruptcy
• breakdown
• collapse
• decline
• defeat
• deficiency
• deterioration
• failing
• loss
• misstep