failures

NOUN

lack of success

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bankruptcy breakdown collapse decline defeat deficiency deterioration failing loss misstep

STRONG

abortion bomb botch bungle bust checkmate decay deficit downfall fiasco flop frustration implosion inadequacy lemon loser mess misadventure miscarriage nonperformance overthrow rout rupture stalemate stoppage turkey washout wreck

WEAK

false step faux pas flash in the pan lead balloon nonsuccess sinking ship total loss

Antonyms

STRONGEST

betterment improvement increase rise success win

STRONG

accomplishment benefit blessing continuation enough plenty triumph

WEAK

achievement achiever attainment earnings gain merit

NOUN

person who does not succeed

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disappointment

STRONG

also-ran bankrupt beat bum castaway deadbeat defaulter derelict dud flop good-for-nothing has-been incompetent insolvent loafer loser might-have-been moocher nobody prodigal turkey underachiever washout

WEAK

born loser lumpy no-good nonperformer

Antonyms

STRONG

hard worker success

WEAK

accomplishment achievement achiever attainment earnings gain merit win

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Previously, he worked at the Chicago Tribune and on the Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative report “The Failures Before The Fire.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

Failures within the system have been known about, and reported on, for years.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

Failures in these partner proteins could help explain diseases that arise from shortened telomeres.

From Science Daily • Dec. 11, 2025

Failures at both Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank met that criteria.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 23, 2023

“No, I don’t need sleep. Failures don’t need sleep. Anyway, I slept yesterday.”

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman