failure
n.-
1 lack of success (n.) B1 Intermediatea situation where you do not reach a goal or get the result you wanted.
the state or condition of not meeting a desirable or intended objective; the opposite of success.
ExampleThe project ended in failure because the team did not have enough time.
ExampleThe company's latest product was a commercial failure, largely due to poor timing and a lack of market research.
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2 a person or thing that fails (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatesomeone or something that is not successful.
an entity, person, or endeavour that has failed or is perceived as incapable of achieving success.
ExampleHe felt like a failure after he didn't get into the university he wanted.
ExampleThe critics dismissed the play as a total failure, though the lead actor's performance was widely praised.
- disappointment
- washout
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3 mechanical or biological breakdown (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatewhen a machine, a system, or a part of the body stops working correctly.
the termination of the ability of an item or organ to perform its required function.
ExampleThe car stopped on the highway due to an engine failure.
ExampleThe patient was rushed to the hospital suffering from acute heart failure after the marathon.
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4 neglecting to do something (n.) C1 Advanced Formal Lawnot doing something that you were expected or supposed to do.
the omission of an expected or required action, particularly a legal or professional obligation.
ExampleHis failure to pay the bill on time resulted in a late fee.
ExampleThe board's failure to disclose the financial risks led to a series of lawsuits from angry shareholders.
UsageOften followed by an infinitive, as in 'failure to comply'.
From Anglo-Norman failer, from Old French faillir (“to fail”). Equivalent to fail + -ure.