failure Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an act that fails
    • his failure to pass the test
  2. noun an event that does not accomplish its intended purpose
    • the surprise party was a complete failure
  3. noun lack of success
    • he felt that his entire life had been a failure
    • that year there was a crop failure
  4. noun a person with a record of failing; someone who loses consistently
    nonstarter; unsuccessful person; loser.
  5. noun an unexpected omission
    • he resented my failure to return his call
    • the mechanic's failure to check the brakes
  6. noun inability to discharge all your debts as they come due
    bankruptcy.
    • the company had to declare bankruptcy
    • fraudulent loans led to the failure of many banks
  7. noun loss of ability to function normally
    • kidney failure

WordNet

Fail"ure noun
Etymology
From Fail.
Definitions
  1. Cessation of supply, or total defect; a failing; deficiency; as, failure of rain; failure of crops.
  2. Omission; nonperformance; as, the failure to keep a promise.
  3. Want of success; the state of having failed.
  4. Decau, or defect from decay; deterioration; as, the failure of memory or of sight.
  5. A becoming insolvent; bankruptcy; suspension of payment; as, failure in business.
  6. A failing; a slight fault. Obs. Johnson.

Webster 1913