B2noun1K

Failure

UK /["/ˈfeɪljə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈfeɪljər/"]/

Definition

lack of success in doing or achieving something

In simple words: not succeeding in something

Examples

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.

Usage notes

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.

Collocations

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

collapse
setback
defeat
flop
blunder

Antonyms

success
achievement
victory

Common mistakes

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.'