failure

fail·ure

noun

The definition of a failure is the act of falling short of the goal or a person who hasn't achieved what they set out to.

An example of a failure is an aspiring actress hoping to make it in the movie industry and ending up with a waitressing career.

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"failure." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 11 December 2018. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/FAILURE>.

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failure. (n.d.). Retrieved December 11th, 2018, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/FAILURE

failure

the act of failing or the state or condition resulting from having failed; specif.,
1. a falling short
2. a losing of power or strength
3. a breakdown in operation or function
4. neglect or omission
5. a not succeeding in doing or becoming
6. a becoming bankrupt
a person or thing that fails
Educ.
1. a failing to pass
2. a grade or mark (usually F) indicating a failing to pass

Origin of failure

from earlier failer from Anglo-French from Old French faillir: see fail

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Link to this page

Cite this page

MLA Style

"failure." YourDictionary, n.d. Web. 11 December 2018. <https://www.yourdictionary.com/FAILURE>.

APA Style

failure. (n.d.). Retrieved December 11th, 2018, from https://www.yourdictionary.com/FAILURE

failure

noun

The condition or fact of not achieving the desired end or ends: the failure of an experiment.
One that fails: a failure at one's career.
The condition or fact of being insufficient or falling short: a crop failure.
A cessation of proper functioning or performance: a power failure.
Nonperformance of what is requested or expected; omission: failure to report a change of address.
The act or fact of failing to pass a course, test, or assignment.
A decline in strength or effectiveness.
The act or fact of becoming bankrupt or insolvent.

Origin of failure

Alteration of failer default from Anglo-Norman from Old French faillir to fail ; see fail .

THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.