1
as in negligence
the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action
your failure to check the batteries in the smoke detector could have tragic results
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in defeat
a falling short of one's goals
the failure of the school's fund-raising drive was a big disappointment to all
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disaster
something that has failed
the students' first attempt to build a homemade rocket was a disappointing failure
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
the failure of the potato crop had a devastating effect on the population of Ireland
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in bankruptcy
the inability to pay one's debts
years of prolonged economic depression, when business failures were common
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of failure
While the animation is serviceable, the failure to experiment with sneaker design is a missed opportunity.
—
Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
The massive power outage started at about 12:40 p.m. on April 16, when the Puerto Rico Governor's Office said a failure in the transmission of the electrical system plunged 1.4 million customers into darkness.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
That failure triggered the influx of many of today’s squad with only Christian Pulisic and Tim Ream remaining from the team that was humbled at the hands of the Caribbean nation.
—Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
An 8-year-old girl who died April 3 in a Lubbock hospital suffered from measles pulmonary failure.
Encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, in 1 out of 1,000 children.
—Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for failure
Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 18 Apr. 2025
The massive power outage started at about 12:40 p.m. on April 16, when the Puerto Rico Governor's Office said a failure in the transmission of the electrical system plunged 1.4 million customers into darkness.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025
That failure triggered the influx of many of today’s squad with only Christian Pulisic and Tim Ream remaining from the team that was humbled at the hands of the Caribbean nation.
—Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025
An 8-year-old girl who died April 3 in a Lubbock hospital suffered from measles pulmonary failure.
Encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, in 1 out of 1,000 children.
—Matt Leclercq, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for failure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for failure
Noun
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According to the owner’s statement, the shop’s manager was fired for negligence and the facility was professionally cleaned and sanitized.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
11 Apr. 2025
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Barton had accused Rodriguez and the county of negligence.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The 30-year-old, who has played 29 times for Bournemouth in the Premier League this season, was withdrawn on 58 minutes during his side’s 2-1 defeat at Ipswich Town on April 2.—
Leon Imber,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
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According to Nielsen live-plus-same-day data, the Gators’ stunning 65-63 defeat of Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars averaged 18.1 million viewers, making the men’s NCAA championship game the most-watched since 2019, when Virginia’s win over Texas Tech drew 19.6 million viewers.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The disaster led to passage of the Federal Coal Mine and Safety Act, which in turn added the miners' surveillance program under the respiratory health division at NIOSH.—
Yuki Noguchi,
NPR,
9 Apr. 2025
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Last month, the EU Commission urged its 450 million citizens to stockpile enough food, water and essentials for 72 hours in the event of emergencies like cyberattacks, climate disasters, disease and also geopolitical conflicts.—
Vivian Song,
CNN Money,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The fortunate news, again, is that a widespread shortage is not expected.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
11 Apr. 2025
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Not-so-fun fact: It’s estimated that 42 out of the 50 United States will likely experience shortages in nursing staff by 2030!—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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About The Daily Money Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
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If yes, please explain: No, I have not Have you been involved in a civil lawsuit or bankruptcy proceeding?—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Biden administration officials said the staffing rule was intended to limit cases of resident neglect or delays in care.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
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People who’ve grown up with difficult family dynamics, emotional neglect or trauma may find comfort in someone who has walked a similar path.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Authorities have since launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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The timing of her brand’s launch, coinciding with the collapse of the global economy, created an environment of enormous difficulty.—
Geri Stengel,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Noun
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His quickness getting across the crease, his evident athleticism, more than made up for any lack of experience.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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But, sadly, because bathrooms are such high-moisture rooms with a lack of ventilation, mold is easy to grow.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/failure. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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