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.

Last month, a public inquiry found that failures by multiple agencies - including responsibility being passed between them - meant clear chances to prevent the attack had been missed.

From BBC • May 22, 2026

South Africa is under pressure from global shocks and domestic policy failures, said William Gumede, professor of public management at the University of the Witwatersrand.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

The second-generation rocket flew five flights, and the first three were largely seen as failures.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

He probably does think slapping his name on a gaudy structure will be enough to overcome the historical record of his failures.

From Salon • May 20, 2026

“I am not doing a capable job, sire; please forgive me and believe me when I say that my failures were those of the body and mind and not of the heart.”

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman