Failure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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failure
[ˈfeɪljər ]
Definitions
in business
The lack of success in achieving a goal or objective. Failure can result from various factors such as poor planning, lack of resources, or external circumstances.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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failure |
Used to describe a lack of success in achieving a goal or an intended outcome. Can be used in both personal and professional contexts.
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defeat |
Refers to losing in a competition, battle, or struggle. Commonly used in sports, games, and conflicts.
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collapse |
Typically refers to the sudden breakdown or falling apart of a structure, system, or organization. Can also be used in a physical sense.
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flop |
Used to describe a complete and often embarrassing failure, especially in the context of entertainment or public events. It has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The company experienced a major failure when their new product did not meet sales expectations.
- Despite their efforts, the team faced failure in securing the deal.
personal
A lack of success in one's personal endeavors or relationships. It can lead to feelings of disappointment, frustration, or self-doubt.
Synonyms
disappointment, misfortune, setback.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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failure |
Use 'failure' when discussing the inability to meet a desired outcome or when something does not succeed. It can refer to both actions (like failing a test) and systems (like a machine failure). The term can have a serious or neutral tone depending on the context.
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disappointment |
Use 'disappointment' to describe a feeling of sadness or displeasure when expectations or hopes are not met. It focuses more on emotional response rather than the act of failing itself.
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setback |
Use 'setback' to refer to an event that delays progress or makes a situation worse, but not necessarily as a final failure. It often implies that recovery or continuation is possible.
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misfortune |
Use 'misfortune' to talk about an unlucky event or bad luck in general. It indicates an external cause rather than personal fault. This term can evoke sympathy.
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Examples of usage
- She was devastated by the failure of her marriage.
- The student felt like a failure after not passing the exam.
general
The condition or fact of not achieving the desired end or expectation. Failure is a common part of life that can serve as a learning opportunity.
Synonyms
botch, miscarriage, unsuccess.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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failure |
Use when referring to a lack of success in general situations, including careers, projects, or relationships.
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unsuccess |
This word is less common and not typically used in modern English. If needed, it refers broadly to a lack of success.
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miscarriage |
Typically used in medical contexts to refer specifically to the loss of a pregnancy before the fetus can live independently.
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botch |
Use when referring to something done badly or clumsily, often leading to a negative outcome.
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Examples of usage
- Failure is not the opposite of success but a stepping stone to it.
- It's important to learn from failure and keep moving forward.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that experiencing failure can boost resilience, teaching individuals to cope with setbacks.
- The 'Growth Mindset' theory by psychologist Carol Dweck emphasizes that seeing failure as a learning opportunity can lead to greater success.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy often addresses the fear of failure as a common issue that can be managed through reframing thoughts.
History
- Many successful figures, like Thomas Edison, viewed their numerous failures as steps toward eventual success, famously stating, 'I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.'
- In ancient times, failure was often seen as a sign from the gods, prompting introspection and communal reflection.
- The concept of failure has evolved over time, with different cultures interpreting it variously – some as disgrace, others as a necessary step to mastery.
Pop Culture
- Numerous films and books celebrate the theme of failure, promoting the idea that it is an essential part of the hero’s journey.
- Social media has popularized the phrase 'failing forward,' emphasizing that progress often involves stumbling and learning.
- Famous quotes about failure by public figures, like JK Rowling, remind us that hitting rock bottom can be a new beginning.
Science
- Studies in biology suggest that failures in evolution can lead to adaptations that help species survive in the long run.
- In engineering, failure analysis is crucial; understanding what went wrong leads to better designs and innovations.
- Psychological studies indicate that experiencing failure activates certain brain regions, prompting a search for solutions and alternative strategies.
Origin of 'failure'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old French word 'faillir,' which means to 'fall short' or 'to fail.'
- In Latin, 'fallere' means 'to deceive' or 'to cheat,' hinting at the feeling of being let down.
- The term has been in use since the 14th century, suggesting that it's a long-standing concept in human experience.
The word 'failure' has its origins in Middle English, deriving from the Old French word 'failleure' and the Latin word 'fallere' meaning 'to deceive'. Over time, the term has evolved to represent the lack of success or achievement in various contexts, reflecting the human experience of setbacks and challenges.