Meaning of failure in English

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 »
2. an event that does not accomplish its intended purpose
Examples
- « the surprise party was a complete failure »
Antonyms
- success
3. lack of success
Examples
- « he felt that his entire life had been a failure »
- « that year there was a crop failure »
Antonyms
- success
4. a person with a record of failing
Examples
- « someone who loses consistently »
Antonyms
5. an unexpected omission
Examples
- « he resented my failure to return his call »
- « the mechanic's failure to check the brakes »
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 »
7. loss of ability to function normally
Examples
- « kidney failure »

Pronunciation