lack of success in achieving a goal or objective, the omission of expected or required action, a person or thing that is unsuccessful or disappointing

a recipe for failure, make a failure of something, stare failure in the face

fear of failure, failure to launch, market failure

Formal and Informal Expressions of failure

In different contexts, you can replace 'failure' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'unsuccessfulness, nonfulfillment' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'flop, bust' is a commonplace synonym.

failure: Explore its Definition & Usage

failure Definition

1lack of success in achieving a goal or objective
2the omission of expected or required action
3a person or thing that is unsuccessful or disappointing

Using failure: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "failure" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The failure of the project was due to poor planning.
Example
She felt like a failure after not getting the job.
Example
The athlete experienced failure after failing to qualify for the Olympics.
Example
The company's failure to meet the deadline resulted in a loss of business.

failure Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for failure

Antonyms for failure

Idioms Using failure

a recipe for failure
a plan or course of action that is almost certain to result in failure
Example
Not having a backup plan is a recipe for failure.
make a failure of something
to do something so badly that it fails completely
Example
He made a failure of his attempt to start a business.
stare failure in the face
to confront or acknowledge the possibility of failure
Example
Despite the challenges, she stared failure in the face and persevered.

Phrases with failure

fear of failure
anxiety or apprehension caused by the possibility of not succeeding
Example
His fear of failure prevented him from taking risks.
failure to launch
a situation where an individual is unable to transition into adulthood and become independent
Example
After college, he experienced failure to launch and moved back in with his parents.
market failure
a situation where the allocation of goods and services is not efficient
Example
The government intervened to correct the market failure in the healthcare industry.

Origins of failure

from Old French 'faillir', meaning 'to fail'

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Summary: failure in Brief

The term 'failure' [ˈfeɪljər] refers to lack of success in achieving a goal or objective, or the omission of expected or required action. It can refer to a person or thing that is unsuccessful or disappointing, as in 'She felt like a failure after not getting the job.' Phrases like 'fear of failure' and idioms like 'a recipe for failure' denote anxiety or plans that are almost certain to result in failure.