Meaning of failure in English

Table of contents

Noun
failure
Etymology
mid 17th century (originally as failer, in the senses ‘non-occurrence’ and ‘cessation of supply’): from Anglo-Norman French failer for Old French faillir (see fail)
Definitions
1. an act that fails
Examples
- « his failure to pass the test »
Derived terms
2. an event that does not accomplish its intended purpose
Examples
- « the surprise party was a complete failure »
Antonyms
- success
Derived terms
3. lack of success
Examples
- « he felt that his entire life had been a failure »
- « that year there was a crop failure »
Antonyms
- success
Derived terms
4. a person with a record of failing
Examples
- « someone who loses consistently »
Antonyms
Derived terms
5. an unexpected omission
Examples
- « he resented my failure to return his call »
- « the mechanic's failure to check the brakes »
Derived terms
- fail
- neglect
6. inability to discharge all your debts as they come due
Examples
- « the company had to declare bankruptcy »
- « fraudulent loans led to the failure of many banks »
Derived terms
7. loss of ability to function normally
Examples
- « kidney failure »
Derived terms

Famous quotes

« So nevertheless, what I'm saying is that what one is - one's parameters are constantly narrowed by one's success, and my desire is to widen my field even if I risk failure. »
Jeremy Irons
« Keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final. »
Roger Babson
« The fear of failure is so great, it is no wonder that the desire to do right by one's children has led to a whole library of books offering advice on how to raise them. »
Bruno Bettelheim
« I was convicted of three misdemeanors of willful failure to file a form. »
Wesley Snipes
« I've probably earned the right to screw up a few times. I don't want the fear of failure to stop me from doing what I really care about. »
Emma Watson