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.
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
The failure to anticipate reward is the first kind of prediction error.
—
Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
The bond’s failure does not change that our city must address its challenges, however.
—Mike Hernández, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
The complaint argues that Harvard’s failure to provide records violates a material term of its federal financial assistance and hampers the government’s ability to complete its review.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 13 Feb. 2026
The launch was the first since a California Starlink launch that ended up with a second-stage failure that grounded the Falcon 9.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for failure
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Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
The bond’s failure does not change that our city must address its challenges, however.
—Mike Hernández, Sun Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
The complaint argues that Harvard’s failure to provide records violates a material term of its federal financial assistance and hampers the government’s ability to complete its review.
—Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 13 Feb. 2026
The launch was the first since a California Starlink launch that ended up with a second-stage failure that grounded the Falcon 9.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for failure
Cite this Entry
“Failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failure. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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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