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.
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
But all of that absolves Luzardo from a basic failure.
—
Matt Gelb, New York Times, 24 July 2025
Critics of the strikes jumped at the opportunity to call the operation a failure, but the DIA’s product should ...
—Nr Editors, National Review, 24 July 2025
And in fact, failure in the relays has been an ongoing sore subject for Team USA.
—Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Since the person who was in the room where the fire originated died in the blaze, authorities said the two most likely causes were a mechanical failure involving the oxygen concentrator or improper use or disposal of smoking materials.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for failure
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Matt Gelb, New York Times, 24 July 2025
Critics of the strikes jumped at the opportunity to call the operation a failure, but the DIA’s product should ...
—Nr Editors, National Review, 24 July 2025
And in fact, failure in the relays has been an ongoing sore subject for Team USA.
—Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Since the person who was in the room where the fire originated died in the blaze, authorities said the two most likely causes were a mechanical failure involving the oxygen concentrator or improper use or disposal of smoking materials.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for failure
Cite this Entry
“Failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failure. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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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