Failure: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a lack of success in achieving a goal or an intended outcome. Can be used in both personal and professional contexts.

• The project was a failure due to poor planning.
• After several failures, she finally succeeded in her business.

Refers to losing in a competition, battle, or struggle. Commonly used in sports, games, and conflicts.

• The team faced a crushing defeat in the finals.
• Despite their best efforts, they couldn't avoid defeat.

Typically refers to the sudden breakdown or falling apart of a structure, system, or organization. Can also be used in a physical sense.

• The financial collapse of the company left many employees jobless.
• After running the marathon, he collapsed from exhaustion.

Used to describe a complete and often embarrassing failure, especially in the context of entertainment or public events. It has a negative connotation.

• The movie was a complete flop at the box office.
• His latest book was a flop and didn't sell many copies.

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.

• The project was deemed a failure after it did not meet the company's targets.
• She felt like a failure after not getting the promotion.

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.

• He couldn't hide his disappointment when his favorite team lost the match.
• Missing out on the trip was a big disappointment for her.

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.

• The team faced a setback when their main developer left the project.
• Despite the setback, they were determined to finish the project on time.

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.

• It was a misfortune that the event was canceled due to the storm.
• She has had her share of misfortune, losing her job and falling ill in the same year.

Use when referring to a lack of success in general situations, including careers, projects, or relationships.

• The project ended in failure due to poor planning
• Despite his efforts, he felt like a failure

This word is less common and not typically used in modern English. If needed, it refers broadly to a lack of success.

• His plan was marked by unsuccess
• The company's financial unsuccess was evident

Typically used in medical contexts to refer specifically to the loss of a pregnancy before the fetus can live independently.

• She went through a difficult miscarriage last year
• Miscarriage can be a heartbreaking experience

Use when referring to something done badly or clumsily, often leading to a negative outcome.

• He tried to fix the car, but he made a botch of it
• The handyman botched the repair job