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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.

Doctors discovered Arthur had caught parvovirus, which led to severe anaemia, a build-up of fluid and heart failure.

From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026

But the company’s failure to develop its own advanced AI is an issue.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

At first it felt like a reporting failure.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

“Due to those actions and Zacharia Branch’s failure to comply with multiple verbal lawful commands, he was placed under arrest for misdemeanor Obstruction of LEO and received a citation for Obstructing Public Sidewalks.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

Convinced he was destined for greatness, Charles always chose the easiest path possible, which brought failure at almost everything he did.

From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow

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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