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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.

The willful failure to file a tax return is a misdemeanor.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Black said his faith helps him make sense of the violence he witnessed and endured — not simply as the product of individual malice, but as something sustained by collective moral failure.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

In a statement, Assistant District Attorney Kim D’Avignon blamed her office’s failure to secure an indictment on a lack of admissible evidence that would have proven the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

Families have long been frustrated by the failure of Mexican authorities to find vanished loved ones and the criminals who took them.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

“Hi, Grandpa,” Jack said, hoping a smile would help hide his failure.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

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