noun
A lack of success in doing something or reaching a goal.
The project ended in failure.
Her first business was a failure.
Common phrases & grammar
complete failure · fear of failure · learn from failure · end in failure
American English
How to pronounce failure
nounB1Common word
FAYLyer
/ˈfeɪl.jɚ/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
A lack of success in doing something or reaching a goal.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
noun
A problem in which a machine, system, or piece of equipment stops working correctly.
The flight was delayed because of engine failure.
A power failure shut down the office.
Common phrases & grammar
engine failure · power failure · system failure · equipment failure
the failure of + noun
a failure in + noun
nounformal
Not doing something that you should do, especially under a formal rule or agreement.
Failure to pay may lead to a fine.
The report blamed the delay on the company's failure to plan.
Good to know
In formal English, failure to pay means that someone did not pay. It does not mean that paying was unsuccessful.
Common phrases & grammar
failure to pay · failure to comply · failure to act
failure to + verb
the failure of + person or organization to + verb