Pronunciation

/ˈfeɪljər/

Definitions

• Noun (n): The lack of success in achieving a desired outcome or the state of not succeeding. It can also refer to a person or thing that has failed or been unsuccessful. For example: “His business venture ended in financial failure.” “Their previous project was a complete failure.”
• Verb (v): To fall short of expectations, to not succeed in accomplishing a goal or fulfilling an obligation, or to cease to function properly. For example: “The experiment failed due to unforeseen circumstances.” “Her health began to fail rapidly.”

Phrases

• “Failure to launch”: Refers to a difficulty in starting or progressing in life, often in terms of a young adult struggling with independence.
• “Learn from your failures”: Encourages the idea that one’s setbacks can be valuable learning experiences.
• “System failure”: When a mechanical, electronic, or organizational system stops working effectively or efficiently.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Despite repeated efforts, his quest for the championship ended in abject failure.”
• Verb: “She refused to give up even when it seemed like all her plans were failing.”

Synonyms

• Defeat
• Loss
• Misfire
• Flop
• Fiasco
• Letdown
• Nonachievement
• Unsuccessfulness
• Breakdown (for the verb sense)