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
Medications Heart failure medications help reduce symptoms and vary in type and dosing.
—
Rafle Fernandez, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024
Rejection can happen quickly or over years and it can be treated, but may also lead to kidney failure, which might require dialysis or another transplant.
—Maria Sole Campinoti, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024
The passive instance takes over in the event of a failure, ensuring minimal downtime.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
The air force cited electronic countermeasures for the failure of those lost in flight.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 1 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for failure 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Rafle Fernandez, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024
Rejection can happen quickly or over years and it can be treated, but may also lead to kidney failure, which might require dialysis or another transplant.
—Maria Sole Campinoti, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024
The passive instance takes over in the event of a failure, ensuring minimal downtime.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024
The air force cited electronic countermeasures for the failure of those lost in flight.
—David Brennan, ABC News, 1 Dec. 2024
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 12 Dec. 2024.
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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