Meaning & use
failure
A lack of success in achieving a goal, or a person or thing that fails.
See it in a sentence
The startup's failure taught the founders valuable lessons for their next business.
Engine failure forced the pilot to make an emergency landing in a nearby field.
A note on using this word
Failure describes both a single unsuccessful attempt and, more harshly, a person judged incapable, so it can sting when applied to people.
Words with a similar meaning
defeatshortfall
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Make it your own
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