1
a
: omission of occurrence or performance
b(1)
: a state of inability to perform a normal function
kidney failure
compare heart failure
(2)
: an abrupt cessation of normal functioning
a power failure
c
: a fracturing or giving way under stress
structural failure
2
a
: lack of success
b
: a failing in business : bankruptcy
He was trying to rescue the company from failure.
3
a
: a falling short : deficiency
a crop failure
b
4
: one that has failed
He felt like a failure when he wasn't accepted into law school.
Synonyms
Examples of failure in a Sentence
He became discouraged by his repeated failures in business.
He was often crippled by his fear of failure.
The accident was caused by engine failure.
The patient was suffering from heart failure.
The accident was caused by a failure to use proper procedures.
She was criticized for failure to follow directions.
The drought caused crop failure.
He felt like a failure when he wasn't accepted into law school.
The scheme was a complete failure.
Recent Examples on the Web
This is The Athletic’s take on the deals that did happen — and the ones that didn’t…
Was this window a success or a failure?
—
Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025
Black Middle Class and Black Elite are Present The idea that the disenfranchisement of Black Americans has resulted in their perpetual failure is false.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 6 Feb. 2025
The bureau’s failures meant that the destruction wrought by the Confederates and the slave trade would persist well beyond the war’s conclusion.
—Robert Colby, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025
But ProPublica has documented a long history of state failures to hold polluters accountable — mostly in areas where support for Trump is strong.
—Lisa Song, ProPublica, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for failure 
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Simon Johnson, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025
Black Middle Class and Black Elite are Present The idea that the disenfranchisement of Black Americans has resulted in their perpetual failure is false.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Parents, 6 Feb. 2025
The bureau’s failures meant that the destruction wrought by the Confederates and the slave trade would persist well beyond the war’s conclusion.
—Robert Colby, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025
But ProPublica has documented a long history of state failures to hold polluters accountable — mostly in areas where support for Trump is strong.
—Lisa Song, ProPublica, 5 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for failure
Dictionary Entries Near failure
Cite this Entry
“Failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failure. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
failure
noun
fail·ure
ˈfā(ə)l-yər 
1
a
: a failing to do or perform
failure to pass the test
b
: neglect of an assigned or expected action
failure to pay on time
c
: inability to perform a normal function well enough
heart failure
2
a
: a lack of success
failure in the campaign
b
: bankruptcy
a business failure
3
a
: a falling short : deficiency
crop failure
b
: a breaking down
a failure of memory
4
: one that has failed
the scheme was a complete failure
Medical Definition
failure
noun
fail·ure
ˈfā(ə)l-yər
: a state of inability to perform a vital function
acute renal failure
respiratory failure
see heart failure
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