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Definitions

failure

[feyl-yer] / ˈfeɪl yər /
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 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.

Zaalan loves how modern clowning embraces failure and emphasizes shared human experiences.

From Los Angeles Times

This failure follows previous World Cup qualification losses to Sweden in 2018 and North Macedonia in 2022, despite other Italian athletes’ recent success.

From The Wall Street Journal

The 44-year-old is a relaxed individual - the epitome of someone who does not get carried away by success or overly despondent by failure.

From BBC

The Wuhan police department reported multiple incidents on Tuesday evening, citing a preliminary finding of a system failure.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some outside of Canada may wonder why Rousseau's failure to speak French is such a big issue.

From BBC

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.