1
as in negligence
the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action
your failure to check the batteries in the smoke detector could have tragic results
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in defeat
a falling short of one's goals
the failure of the school's fund-raising drive was a big disappointment to all
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disaster
something that has failed
the students' first attempt to build a homemade rocket was a disappointing failure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
the failure of the potato crop had a devastating effect on the population of Ireland
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in bankruptcy
the inability to pay one's debts
years of prolonged economic depression, when business failures were common
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of failure
The State Department didn't confirm whether such treatments, which are crucial to prevent respiratory and renal failure, would in fact be offered at the facility.
—
Ari Daniel, NPR, 9 June 2026
Grid failure doesn’t just mean the lights turning off, Straubel said.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 June 2026
Moving back home after college may seem like a failure to launch, both on the part of parents who thought their work was finally done, and young adults who thought they were poised to start building a life of their own.
—Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 9 June 2026
The state takeover was initially prompted by years of chronic academic failure at Phillis Wheatley High School.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for failure
Ari Daniel, NPR, 9 June 2026
Grid failure doesn’t just mean the lights turning off, Straubel said.
—Jordan Blum, Fortune, 9 June 2026
Moving back home after college may seem like a failure to launch, both on the part of parents who thought their work was finally done, and young adults who thought they were poised to start building a life of their own.
—Becca Stanek, TheWeek, 9 June 2026
The state takeover was initially prompted by years of chronic academic failure at Phillis Wheatley High School.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 9 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for failure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for failure
Noun
-
The video of Rodrigues de Freitas falling to her death has gone viral on social media platforms, where internet users are describing her death as a surreal case of negligence.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
15 June 2026
-
Sacramento County jail records Saturday morning showed Merritt was booked on suspicion of felony hit-and-run resulting in death or permanent serious injury, felony vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence and misdemeanor driving without a valid license.—
Michael McGough,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
The Knicks had their 13-game winning streak end in Game 3 and seemed headed for a second straight defeat throughout the first half, when Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs opened the biggest halftime lead by a visiting team in the Finals.—
Tim Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
-
The scars left by this Western Conference Final defeat to the Chicago Wolves in seven games will linger.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
When a catastrophic breach at Piney Point threatened Manatee County homes with a toxic flood and fueled an environmental disaster five years ago, state leaders promised to clean up the mess with up to $200 million.—
Ryan Ballogg,
Miami Herald,
12 June 2026
-
Not allowing insurance companies to shift profits to out-of-state subsidiaries would save me more money than this disaster.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The resulting labor shortage is driving up wages, another source of inflation in the country.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
The war displaced most of the Palestinian population of more than 2 million, left large parts of the territory in rubble and created widespread shortages of food, medicine and other basic supplies asGaza’s border crossings — all but one controlled by Israel — were shut.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
As traditional radio was being upended by rapid technology shifts, Audacy filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2024, emerging a year later with reduced debt and a revitalized outlook.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
13 June 2026
-
On the Border closed more than 70 locations after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
In the case of nursing home abuse and neglect, families can file a civil personal injury suit against the involved facility.—
Sponsored Content,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
-
Darrian Randle, 32, was found guilty of murder, child abuse, neglect and assault after the body of her daughter, Nola Dinkins, was found in June 2025, wrapped in Saran Wrap and left in a suitcase.—
JT Moodee Lockman,
CBS News,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Golden State scored just eight points in the final period and made just one field goal, but survived because their 15-point second half lead was enough to absorb the collapse in a 76-72 win over the Storm.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
13 June 2026
-
The Zephyr’s collapse also affects Rocky Mountain High grad Kelsey Oyler (2021), who played in 27 of 28 games as a rookie this past season, including 22 starts.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The company was formed in the aftermath of 9/11 to sell terrorism and catastrophe property insurance.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
9 June 2026
-
Then there were climate catastrophes like Hurricane Katrina, the normalization of active shooter drills at their schools and a worldwide pandemic.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/failure. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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