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.

Grounded in critical love and thinking, it allows the country’s flaws and failures to be confronted honestly so that the nation can be made into the best version of itself.

From Salon • Jun. 30, 2026

In a civil lawsuit against the city and the state, Los Angeles firefighters testified about a series of communication failures and questionable decisions by higher-ups that led crews to leave the area prematurely.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2026

Pro-business legal architecture ensured a greater tolerance for business failures than in Europe; Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization is designed to preserve and restructure viable firms, rather than push them into liquidation.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 28, 2026

As families demand answers for failures in maternity services, Panorama investigates how systemic neglect, inadequate staffing and a reluctance to learn from mistakes have led to heartbreak.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

His failures had made him a recluse, but people remembered the vulnerable boy he had once been.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry