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fail·ure

failure

 
 
pronunciation:
feIl yr
features:
Word Combinations (noun), Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the act or result of failing.
Failure to hand in papers on time will result in the lowering of one's grade.Sadly, their attempt to revive their business resulted in failure.
synonyms:
bomb, flop
antonyms:
achievement, success, victory
similar words:
bust, debacle, defeat, dud, failing, fiasco, fizzle, lemon, miscarriage, miss, muff
definition 2: a person or thing that fails or does not succeed.
The new musical, despite all its glamour, was a failure on Broadway.His brother's great financial success made him feel like a failure regardless of his own accomplishments.She was a failure at dancing, but she excelled at athletics.
antonyms:
bestseller, success
similar words:
bomb, bungler, bust, debacle, dud, failing, fiasco, fizzle, flop, lemon, loser, schlemiel
definition 3: an insufficiency or inadequacy.
Lower than normal temperatures caused a crop failure.
synonyms:
deficiency, insufficiency
similar words:
dearth, failing, lack
definition 4: a stopping of normal functioning or performance.
The flight was canceled due to equipment failure.
synonyms:
breakdown, malfunction
similar words:
dysfunction, fatigue, miscarriage, stall, stoppage
definition 5: weakening; decline.
The rapid failure of my father's health was devastating to my mother.
synonyms:
decline, weakening
antonyms:
growth
similar words:
decay, ebb, loss
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