B2noun 1K

Failure

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈfeɪljə(r)/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈfeɪljər/"]/

Meaning of Failure

lack of success in doing or achieving something

In simple words: not succeeding in something

Failure in a sentence

• His failure to meet the deadline cost the company a valuable contract.
• Experiencing failure can often lead to personal growth and resilience.
• The project was deemed a failure due to lack of planning and resources.
• Her failure to recognize the warning signs was a serious mistake.
• He faced failure in business, but he learned valuable lessons from it.
• Technical failure during the presentation led to a reassessment of the equipment.
• They introduced a backup plan to cope with any potential system failure.
• Failure in the exam prompted her to study harder for next time.

How to use Failure

Use 'failure' to describe a lack of success in a specific endeavor. Avoid in very formal documents unless necessary. In casual conversations, 'failure' can sound heavy; people may prefer 'not succeeding.'

Grammar pattern

failure + to + verb

Memory hint

Think of 'fail-ure' as 'failing for sure'; remember it's about not achieving something.

Related words

Collocations with Failure

• complete
• total
• abject
• be doomed to
• end in
• result in
• rate
• fear of failure
• a history of failure
• a possibility of failure
• big
• great
• serious
• be
• represent
• prove
• arise from something
• failure of
• fundamental
• general
• manifest
• excuse
• justify
• constitute
• mechanical
• structural
• technical
• cause
• lead to
• result in
• occur
• failure in
• mechanical
• structural
• technical
• cause
• lead to
• result in
• occur
• failure in
• mechanical
• structural
• technical
• cause
• lead to
• result in
• occur
• failure in

Synonyms for Failure

• collapse
• setback
• defeat
• flop
• blunder

Opposites of Failure

• success
• achievement
• victory

Common mistakes with Failure

• Using 'failure' as a verb instead of a noun.
• Confusing 'failure' with 'fault,' thinking they mean the same.
• Not using appropriate prepositions, such as saying 'failure of' instead of 'failure to.'

Frequently asked questions about Failure

What does Failure mean?

not succeeding in something

What is the definition of Failure?

lack of success in doing or achieving something

How do you use Failure in a sentence?

His failure to meet the deadline cost the company a valuable contract.

Can you give another example of Failure?

Experiencing failure can often lead to personal growth and resilience.

What are synonyms for Failure?

Common alternatives include collapse, setback, defeat, flop, blunder.

What is the opposite of Failure?

Opposite meanings include success, achievement, victory.

What words go with Failure?

It commonly pairs with complete, total, abject, be doomed to, end in, result in, rate, fear of failure, a history of failure, a possibility of failure, big, great, serious, be, represent, prove, arise from something, failure of, fundamental, general, manifest, excuse, justify, constitute, mechanical, structural, technical, cause, lead to, result in, occur, failure in, mechanical, structural, technical, cause, lead to, result in, occur, failure in, mechanical, structural, technical, cause, lead to, result in, occur, failure in.

What are common mistakes when using Failure?

Using 'failure' as a verb instead of a noun. Confusing 'failure' with 'fault,' thinking they mean the same. Not using appropriate prepositions, such as saying 'failure of' instead of 'failure to.'

How do you pronounce Failure?

US: /["/ˈfeɪljər/"]/, UK: /["/ˈfeɪljə(r)/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Failure?

Use 'failure' to describe a lack of success in a specific endeavor. Avoid in very formal documents unless necessary. In casual conversations, 'failure' can sound heavy; people may prefer 'not succeeding.'

What CEFR level is Failure?

"Failure" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.