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Definitions

failure

[feyl-yer] / ˈfeɪl yər /
NOUN
lack of success
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bankruptcy breakdown collapse decline defeat deficiency deterioration failing loss misstep
STRONG
abortion bomb botch bungle bust checkmate decay deficit downfall fiasco flop frustration implosion inadequacy lemon loser mess misadventure miscarriage nonperformance overthrow rout rupture stalemate stoppage turkey washout wreck
WEAK
false step faux pas flash in the pan lead balloon nonsuccess sinking ship total loss
Antonyms
STRONGEST
betterment improvement increase rise success win
STRONG
accomplishment benefit blessing continuation enough plenty triumph
WEAK
achievement achiever attainment earnings gain merit
NOUN
person who does not succeed
Synonyms
STRONGEST
disappointment
STRONG
also-ran bankrupt bum castaway deadbeat defaulter derelict dud flop good-for-nothing has-been incompetent insolvent loafer loser might-have-been moocher nobody prodigal turkey underachiever washout
WEAK
born loser lumpy no-good nonperformer
Antonyms
STRONG
hard worker success
WEAK
accomplishment achievement achiever attainment earnings gain merit win

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"Our experience in negotiating with the Americans has always been met with failure and broken promises."

From Barron's • Apr. 11, 2026

Searching for the source of a lighting failure he opened a fuse box: “It looked like an exploded firecracker.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Rothman all but declared the armistice a failure, urging Vice President J.D.

From Slate • Apr. 10, 2026

His letter warned the practice would be "considered an indicator... of potential failure".

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Amy’s lecture put the matter in a new light, and for the first time it did look weak and selfish to lose heart at the first failure, and shut himself up in moody indifference.

From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Vocabulary lists containing failure

"Principles of Business," Vocabulary from Chapter 6

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List 6

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List 2

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