failure
failure Lexical Profile
failure Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A lack of success in achieving a desired goal or completing an undertaking.
"The initial failure of the experiment taught the research team several valuable lessons."
The omission or neglect of an expected or required action.
"His failure to renew the permit on time resulted in a small administrative fine."
A person, venture, or thing that proves completely unsuccessful.
"Critics initially dismissed the play as a commercial failure, though it later became a classic."
A sudden cessation of normal functioning or operation, as of a machine, system, or bodily organ.
"The airline delayed the flight after mechanics discovered a minor hydraulic failure."
Financial insolvency or the inability of a business to meet its obligations.
"A sharp drop in consumer demand led to the failure of several small retail businesses."
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-17th century from Anglo-French 'failer', derived from Old French 'faillir' and ultimately Vulgar Latin 'fallire' ('to deceive or fall short'), blended with the noun-forming suffix '-ure'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.