Failure: meaning, definitions and examples
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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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|
| 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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "failure" in other languages:
🇵🇹 falha
🇮🇳 असफलता
🇩🇪 Fehler
🇮🇩 kegagalan
🇺🇦 невдача
🇵🇱 niepowodzenie
🇯🇵 失敗 (しっぱい)
🇫🇷 échec
🇪🇸 fracaso
🇹🇷 başarısızlık
🇰🇷 실패
🇸🇦 فشل
🇨🇿 selhání
🇸🇰 neúspech
🇨🇳 失败 (shībài)
🇸🇮 neuspeh
🇮🇸 bilun
🇰🇿 сәтсіздік
🇬🇪 წარუმატებლობა
🇦🇿 uğursuzluq
🇲🇽 fracaso