failure */*/*/

UK [ˈfeɪljə(r)] / US [ˈfeɪljər] noun
Word forms "failure":
singular failure plural failures

1) [countable/uncountable] a lack of success in doing something

I'm too proud to admit failure.

end/result in failure:

Their first attempt to climb Everest ended in failure.

failure to do something:

She is depressed by her continued failure to find a job.

failure of:

The failure of the talks has made the situation worse.

2) [countable/uncountable] a situation in which you do not do something that someone expects you to do

failure of:

He was angry about the failure of the UN to intervene in the crisis.

failure to do something:

Failure to comply with the rules can result in expulsion.

3) [countable/uncountable] a situation in which something such as a machine or an organ in your body stops working correctly

engine/brake/power failure:

The crash seems to have been caused by an engine failure.

heart/liver/kidney failure:

He died from liver failure.

a) a situation in which a business cannot continue operating

Business failures soared by more than a third in the second half of this year.

b) a situation in which crops do not finish growing, so that they cannot be used for food

4) [countable] someone or something that has not achieved success

The party was a total failure.

I feel such a failure.

5) [countable/uncountable] a sudden loss of a particular quality or ability, especially in a difficult situation

a failure of imagination

•

- a sense of humour failure