failure

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an unexpected omission

   They resented my failure to return their call.

2. 2
   noun

   an act that fails

   My failure to pass the test might get me in trouble.

3. 3
   noun

   an event that does not accomplish its intended purpose

   the surprise party was a complete failure

4. 4
   noun

   loss of ability to function normally

   kidney failure

5. 5
   noun

   lack of success

   I felt that my entire life had been a failure.

6. 6
   noun

   State or condition of not meeting a desirable or intended objective, opposite of success.

   For Liverpool, their season will now be regarded as a relative disappointment after failure to add the FA Cup to the Carling Cup and not mounting a challenge to reach the Champions League places.

7. 7
   noun

   Termination of the ability of an item to perform its required function; breakdown.

   Seeing the British establishment struggle with the financial sector is like watching an alcoholic […]. Until 2008 there was denial over what finance had become. When a series of bank failures made this impossible, there was widespread anger, leading to the public humiliation of symbolic figures.

8. 8
   noun

   a person with a record of failing

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman failer, from Old French faillir (“to fail”). Equivalent to fail + -ure.