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.

See Examples For:

failures

Anger also lingers over the security failures surrounding the October 7 attacks, which continues to weigh on Netanyahu's standing.

From Barron's ● Jul. 12, 2026

The June 24 disaster—which devastated this coastal region, killing at least 4,118 and injuring some 17,000, with 30,000 still missing—exposed the deep failures of the country’s public-health system.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026

It has witnessed some of our greatest triumphs and deepest failures.

From Salon ● Jul. 10, 2026

In January, an inquest found multiple serious failures by the prison contributed to his death.

From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2026

It was unfair to blame her for the fictional zero-sum game of her successes equaling his failures.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner