failure

[ˈfeɪljər]

failure Definition

• 1. lack of success in achieving a goal or objective
• 2. the omission of expected or required action
• 3. a 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

• defeat
• loss
• fiasco
• disappointment
• letdown

Antonyms for failure

• achievement
• victory
• success

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.