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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in bankruptcy
the inability to pay one's debts
years of prolonged economic depression, when business failures were common
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of failure
While the harp tends to invite a high literariness (Joanna Newsom being the most obvious example), Davis’ lyrics are very hammy, though that doesn’t feel like a failure so much as a deliberate flattening out of expression.
—
Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
Democrats have been frustrated in recent years by the failure to create a new, standalone, refundable child tax credit.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
But McMahon argued that according to the program's own metrics, TRIO is a failure.
—Sequoia Carrillo, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
Realizing this approach was an environmental and economic failure, the SWA was formed and tasked with creating a Master Plan for a regional, environmentally sustainable solid waste and recycling system.
—Mike Ryan, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for failure
Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Apr. 2026
Democrats have been frustrated in recent years by the failure to create a new, standalone, refundable child tax credit.
—Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026
But McMahon argued that according to the program's own metrics, TRIO is a failure.
—Sequoia Carrillo, NPR, 28 Apr. 2026
Realizing this approach was an environmental and economic failure, the SWA was formed and tasked with creating a Master Plan for a regional, environmentally sustainable solid waste and recycling system.
—Mike Ryan, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for failure
Recent Examples of Synonyms for failure
Noun
-
His mother and young son sued in 2022, alleging wrongful death, assault and battery, and negligence.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The lawsuit accused the Port of Bremerton of gross negligence and breach of contract for its failure to ensure safety at the marina.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The margin for error is so little in the South Coast League that a hit here, an error there, can be the difference between victory and defeat.—
Martin Henderson,
Oc Register,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Scratch him behind the ears and say Good boy over and over so the horse might tire of hearing it, but Pal never would, crunching his peppermint in sweet victory—even defeat.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Chernobyl disaster is the worst nuclear power plant accident ever in terms of death toll and cost.—
Kurt Snibbe,
Oc Register,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Satellite connectivity can act as a backup during disasters like hurricanes or wildfires.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That means there will be no shortage of motivation in these final weeks, and their key players should continue to play every minute despite their run to the semi-finals of the Europa League.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
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That’s just one example of what more than three decades of chronic school funding shortages under Colorado’s decades-old spending cap has led to.—
Kevin Vick,
Denver Post,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Bed Bath & Beyond closed its 360 brick-and-mortar locations in 2023 after filing for bankruptcy.—
Samantha Gowen,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
-
He was accused of embezzling client funds for his own personal spending; he was sued by his former law firm partners; and his law firm was facing bankruptcy.—
Brianne Tracy,
PEOPLE,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Cornelius endorsed the revitalization plan in 2022, which seeks to modernize the area and fix problems stemming from long-term neglect.—
Nick Sullivan,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Strength in one pillar supports the others; neglect in one weakens all three.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But Friday was the collapse that may define their season.—
Dan Woike,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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Oil revenue is the linchpin of Russia’s economy, allowing Putin to pour money into the armed forces without worsening inflation for everyday people and avoiding a currency collapse.—
Karel Janicek,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Goldman Sachs estimated that Qatar could see its GDP plunge by 14%, citing its lack of alternative export channels to the blockaded Strait of Hormuz.—
Kelsey Warner,
semafor.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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This Fire sign is, after all, notorious for its lack of a filter… and the 24-year-old singer just so happens to have her sun, Venus and Pluto here.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/failure. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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