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
The Russell Wilson experiment in Denver was such a failure that he was eventually cut from the team, despite the financial ramifications: the Broncos incurred $85 million in dead salary over the 2024 and 2025 seasons by releasing Wilson, the largest dead cap hit in league history.
—
Ben Morse, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
Dog owners should check for sweeteners, because some—such as xylitol—can be very dangerous to dogs, leading to low blood sugar and, potentially, liver failure.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024
CEOs and managers worldwide share successes and failures, highlighting key details from meeting timing to expressing disagreement.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
The horrific results of those actions — and failures to act — all come across Torbenson’s desk.
—John Diedrich, USA TODAY, 14 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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Ben Morse, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024
Dog owners should check for sweeteners, because some—such as xylitol—can be very dangerous to dogs, leading to low blood sugar and, potentially, liver failure.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 14 Dec. 2024
CEOs and managers worldwide share successes and failures, highlighting key details from meeting timing to expressing disagreement.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024
The horrific results of those actions — and failures to act — all come across Torbenson’s desk.
—John Diedrich, USA TODAY, 14 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 22 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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