Find Synonyms

failure Synonyms

Another word for failure

Choosing another word for failure depends on context, so the 28 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

A lack of success in achieving a desired goal or completing an undertaking.

Usage Example

"The initial defeat of the experiment taught the research team several valuable lessons."

Strong
defeat
setback
miscarriage
Weak
frustration

• noun (Context 2)

The omission or neglect of an expected or required action.

Usage Example

"His omission to renew the permit on time resulted in a small administrative fine."

Strongest
omission
neglect
Strong
negligence
default
nonperformance
oversight
dereliction

• noun (Context 3)

A person, venture, or thing that proves completely unsuccessful.

Usage Example

"Critics initially dismissed the play as a commercial fiasco, though it later became a classic."

Strongest
fiasco
debacle
Strong
flop
disaster
washout
dud
loser

• noun (Context 4)

A sudden cessation of normal functioning or operation, as of a machine, system, or bodily organ.

Usage Example

"The airline delayed the flight after mechanics discovered a minor hydraulic malfunction."

Strongest
malfunction
breakdown
Strong
collapse
outage
stoppage
Weak
glitch

• noun (Context 5)

Financial insolvency or the inability of a business to meet its obligations.

Usage Example

"A sharp drop in consumer demand led to the bankruptcy of several small retail businesses."

Strongest
bankruptcy
insolvency
Strong
ruin
collapse
liquidation

Opposites of failure

The opposite of failure shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

success
solvency
triumph
winner
compliance
fulfillment
victory
achievement
See all opposites of failure

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Failure. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/failure
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