failure

Definition for failure

noun as in lack of success

Strongest matches

bankruptcy, breakdown, collapse, decline, defeat, deficiency, deterioration, failing, loss, misstep

Strong matches

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 matches

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

noun as in person who does not succeed

Strongest match

disappointment

Strong matches

also-ran, bankrupt, 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 matches

born loser, lumpy, no-good, nonperformer

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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.

The sudden and unprecedented resignation of its moderator, Rev Trevor Gribben, has left the church grappling with the scale of its own safeguarding failures and facing an uncertain reckoning over what happens next.

failure

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