1
as in negligence
the nonperformance of an assigned or expected action
your failure to check the batteries in the smoke detector could have tragic results
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in defeat
a falling short of one's goals
the failure of the school's fund-raising drive was a big disappointment to all
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disaster
something that has failed
the students' first attempt to build a homemade rocket was a disappointing failure
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in shortage
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number
the failure of the potato crop had a devastating effect on the population of Ireland
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in bankruptcy
the inability to pay one's debts
years of prolonged economic depression, when business failures were common
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of failure
That failure has led Weinstein to face a third trial for the same charge, a Class E felony charge of rape, which carries a maximum prison sentence of four years in New York.
—
Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2026
Feelings of shame, isolation, or fear are not evidence of failure, but indicators that deeper support may be needed, particularly for individuals carrying visible success alongside private strain.
—Maria Williams, USA Today, 8 Jan. 2026
Not as a slogan, but as a set of basic components that address the failures revealed by the numbers.
—Ricardo Torres, Time, 8 Jan. 2026
The state released an audit in 2024 that found that failures by the state’s Education Department led to the misuse of a Covid-era program.
—Maggie Vespa, NBC news, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for failure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for failure
Noun
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The lawsuit also alleges WSU was liable for claims of outrageous conduct and other forms of negligence.—
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The legal claims included negligence, wrongful death, deceptive trade practices, and product liability.—
Noun
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In just a number of months, voters will head to the polls for midterms, the first nationwide test for Democrats following their across the board defeat in 2024, itself partly due to perceptions that the party was too far to the left.—
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Advertisement But vulnerability isn’t the same as defeat.—
Noun
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More than a year after the disaster, which killed all but two people on board, much is still unclear about why the passenger jet crash landed.—
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The councilwoman emphasized that every neighborhood in Los Angeles is just one disaster from devastation.—
Noun
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Wagner said the shortages of equipment and staff will have a lasting impact on rebuilding in his community.—
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Sale speculation has surrounded Puma since last September, and there’s been no shortage on who could be buyers for the German sportswear brand.—
Noun
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Following bankruptcy, the chain liquidated stores, leases and intellectual property before five stores reopened in the state.—
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The currency collapse, the insane inflation, water bankruptcy, and energy crisis have created conditions for sustained unrest.—
Noun
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The sites of protest include small cities such as Abadan and the Kurdish-majority Malekshahi in the southwestern Ilam province, where economic grievances, unemployment, and state neglect are stark.—
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For neighborhood residents, the properties have become symbols of disinvestment and neglect, drawing growing calls for city government to intervene.—
Noun
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If trees and powerlines collapse, there's a chance that patio furniture can become airborne.—
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The Sacramento Kings suffered another fourth-quarter collapse as their losing streak continued with another blowout loss.—
Noun
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Dead drummer Mickey Hart said at one point legendary concert promoter Bill Graham vented to him about the lack of catchy songs.—
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The first indicator is oftentimes a lack of water flow from faucets when the weather is extremely cold.—
Cite this Entry
“Failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/failure. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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