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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in bankruptcy
the inability to pay one's debts
years of prolonged economic depression, when business failures were common
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of failure
The lack of storm planning included a failure to test backup equipment that could be needed in the event of a power outage.
—
Karri Peifer, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
Depending on the med, this can include serious health hazards like liver and muscle damage or even kidney failure.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 7 Apr. 2025
The boat had suffered an engine failure and was taking on water, officials said.
—Alex Riggins, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2025
This was the 11th launch from the Space Coast in 2023 and 300th successful Falcon 9 launch since its debut in 2010, having only had one mid-launch failure in 2015.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for failure
Karri Peifer, Axios, 7 Apr. 2025
Depending on the med, this can include serious health hazards like liver and muscle damage or even kidney failure.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 7 Apr. 2025
The boat had suffered an engine failure and was taking on water, officials said.
—Alex Riggins, Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2025
This was the 11th launch from the Space Coast in 2023 and 300th successful Falcon 9 launch since its debut in 2010, having only had one mid-launch failure in 2015.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for failure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for failure
Noun
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Other potential claims could include intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy and negligence.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
2 Apr. 2025
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Judge Jorge Ortiz denied Smith & Wesson’s motions to dismiss counts of unfair business practices and negligence but granted a motion to dismiss allegations around deceptive business practices in a 34-page decision.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
1 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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The loss ends Bayern Munich’s run of 22 home games without a defeat in the Champions League.—
Manuel Veth,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Noun
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In 2021, as automakers tried to ramp up production that had been curtailed in the first year of the pandemic, a shortage of parts, most notably computer chips, cut into car production.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
3 Apr. 2025
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Aviation safety news: FAA to hire 2,000 air traffic controllers amid shortages, tightens Boeing oversightNeed a break?—
David Shepardson,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In recent months, there's also been bankruptcy filings from TGI Fridays and Red Lobster.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2025
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The recent bankruptcy filing of genetic testing company 23andMe, which allows users to spit in a tube and send away the sample for a detailed DNA analysis, has sparked the possibility that the data could revolutionize cold-case cracking.—
Sarah Rumpf-Whitten,
FOXNews.com,
27 Mar. 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 haven’t yet said what the cause of the collapse was.—
Jeanine Santucci,
USA Today,
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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Still, the Mets have largely been able to overcome a lack of production at the bottom because of a strong bullpen.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
8 Apr. 2025
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Physical resistance is not required on the part of the victim to demonstrate lack of consent.—
Baltimore Sun staff,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/failure. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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