Failure: meaning, definitions and examples

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failure

 

[ ˈfeɪljər ]

Context #1

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

collapse, defeat, flop

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.
Context #2

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

Examples of usage

  • She was devastated by the failure of her marriage.
  • The student felt like a failure after not passing the exam.
Context #3

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

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

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

Word origin

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.

See also: fail, failing, failings, failures.