Failures: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when referring to situations where an effort or attempt did not achieve the desired outcome. It carries a general sense of not succeeding but doesn't necessarily imply a finality.

• The team had several failures before they finally succeeded.
• John faced many failures during his career but never gave up.

Use this word to describe temporary obstacles or delays in progress. It indicates hindrances that are usually seen as part of a journey rather than a final failure.

• Despite several setbacks, the company managed to launch their new product.
• Recovering from the injury was a significant setback in his athletic career.

This word is appropriate when expressing a sense of sadness or frustration over unmet expectations or hopes. It emphasizes the emotional impact rather than the outcome itself.

• She felt great disappointment when she didn't get the job offer.
• His biggest disappointment came when his project was rejected.

This term is best used in competitive contexts, like sports or battles, where one side loses and the other wins. It implies a clear winner and loser.

• The chess player's series of defeats led him to reconsider his strategy.
• After her latest defeat in the tournament, she decided to take a break from competitions.

A repeated typo or additional unintended repeat of the word 'failures'. No distinct additional context needed beyond the initial definition.

• This was likely a typo or accidental repetition

Casual term often used in entertainment or business to describe something that fails to be popular or successful, particularly when it was highly anticipated.

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

Describes minor mistakes or errors in judgment, usually less severe than a 'failure' or 'fiasco'. Can imply a small, correctable error.

• She made a few missteps during her speech but quickly recovered
• The team had some missteps early in the game but managed to win in the end

Used to describe chaotic, high-profile, or particularly embarrassing failures. Often implies a public spectacle or significant mishap.

• The event turned into a complete fiasco when the sound system stopped working
• The company's latest product launch was a fiasco