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Failures: meaning, definitions and examples

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failures

 

[ˈfeɪljərz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in life

Failures are events or situations that did not meet expectations or goals. They can be seen as setbacks or obstacles that one encounters while striving for success. Failure is a natural part of life and can provide valuable lessons for personal growth and development.

Synonyms

defeats, disappointments, setbacks.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
failures

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.
setbacks

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.
disappointments

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.
defeats

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.

Examples of usage

  • Learning from failures can lead to future success.
  • Failure is not the opposite of success, but a stepping stone towards it.
Context #2 | Noun

in business

In business, failures refer to ventures or projects that did not achieve the desired outcomes or profitability. It can result from various factors such as poor planning, market conditions, or lack of resources. Analyzing failures can help businesses make better decisions in the future.

Synonyms

fiascos, flops, missteps.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
failures

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
flops

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
missteps

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
fiascos

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

Examples of usage

  • Many successful entrepreneurs have experienced multiple failures before achieving success.
  • Failure can be a catalyst for innovation and improvement.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'failure' comes from the Old French word 'faillier,' which means 'to fail or fall short.'
  • It has roots in the Latin word 'fallere,' which means 'to deceive,' highlighting the unexpected outcomes.
  • The concept of 'failure' has evolved, originally denoting a lack of success rather than a negative connotation.

Psychology

  • Experiencing failure can trigger emotional responses like disappointment, but also serves as a catalyst for learning.
  • Research shows that resilience, or the ability to bounce back from failures, is a key factor in long-term success.
  • Mindset plays a crucial role; viewing failures as opportunities for growth can lead to better outcomes in the future.

Business

  • Many successful entrepreneurs emphasize that their greatest lessons came from the failures they encountered.
  • Failure in a project can lead to the development of innovative solutions that were not considered before.
  • Companies often conduct 'post-mortem' analyses on failed projects to extract valuable insights for future endeavors.

Literature

  • Classic literature often explores themes of failure and redemption, such as in the tragic hero's journey.
  • Famous authors have reflected on personal failures in their biographies, illustrating how those experiences shaped their writing.
  • Dramatic stories often highlight the downfall of characters due to their failures, prompting audiences to reflect on human nature.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, characters often face failures that lead to comedic or profound moments, resonating with viewers.
  • Popular culture references 'failure' in motivational speeches, emphasizing that it’s a common part of everyone's journey.
  • Songs frequently explore the theme of failure, tapping into emotions of regret and perseverance.

Translations

Translations of the word "failures" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falhas

🇮🇳 विफलताएँ

🇩🇪 Fehler

🇮🇩 kegagalan

🇺🇦 невдачі

🇵🇱 niepowodzenia

🇯🇵 失敗

🇫🇷 échecs

🇪🇸 fallos

🇹🇷 başarısızlıklar

🇰🇷 실패

🇸🇦 إخفاقات

🇨🇿 neúspěchy

🇸🇰 neúspechy

🇨🇳 失败

🇸🇮 neuspehi

🇮🇸 bilun

🇰🇿 сәтсіздіктер

🇬🇪 წარუმატებლობები

🇦🇿 uğursuzluqlar

🇲🇽 fallos

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,976, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.