failure

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A lack of success in doing something.

   His business ended in complete failure.

2. 2
   noun

   Someone or something that does not succeed.

   The surprise party was a total failure.

3. 3
   noun

   The fact of not doing something you should have done.

   His failure to pass the test got him in trouble.

4. 4
   noun

   The act of stopping working or breaking down.

   The crash was caused by engine failure.

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

Topics