heart failure

noun

1
: a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood at an adequate rate or in adequate volume
2
: cessation of heartbeat : death

Examples of heart failure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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After spending the majority of the year at Rome's Gemelli Hospital, Pope Francis died on Easter Monday from a stroke and irreversible heart failure. Greta Cross, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025 In heart failure, the heart does not pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. Danielle Weiss, Verywell Health, 25 Apr. 2025 The head of the Vatican’s Health Department, Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, confirmed that the religious leader died of a cerebral stroke that put him into a coma and led to heart failure. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025 Pope Francis passed away on Monday, April 21 at the age of 88 following a stroke that ultimately resulted in heart failure. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heart failure

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heart failure was in 1574

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Cite this Entry

“Heart failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heart%20failure. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

heart failure

noun
1
: a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood at an adequate rate or in adequate volume compare angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, coronary failure, heart attack
2
: cessation of heartbeat : death

More from Merriam-Webster on heart failure

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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