American Dictionary

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Definition failure in American English

failure noun

noun
/ˈfeɪljər/
1

a lack of success in doing something

Example

I'm too proud to admit failure.

Example

The failure of the talks has made the situation worse.

Example

Their first attempt to climb Everest ended in failure.

Example

She is depressed by her continued failure to find a job.

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2

a situation in which you do not do something that someone expects you to do

Example

Failure to comply with the rules can result in expulsion.

Example

He was angry about the failure of the U.N. to intervene in the crisis.

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3

someone or something that has not achieved success

Example

The party was a total failure.

Example

I feel like such a failure.

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4

a situation in which something such as a machine or an organ in your body stops working correctly

Example

The crash seems to have been caused by an engine failure.

Example

He died from liver failure.

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4.1

a situation in which a business cannot continue operating

Example

Business failures soared by more than a third in the second half of this year.

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4.2

a situation in which crops do not finish growing, so that they cannot be used for food

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Example

a failure of imagination

Synonyms and related words
Definition failure in American English