Definition of Failure
Quick Meaning of Failure
When something does not work or when you do not achieve what you wanted.
Detailed Definition of Failure
Lack of success; inability to achieve a goal or expected result.
How to Pronounce Failure
Stress pattern: Oo (2-syllable word).
Tip: Stress the first syllable: FAIL-yur. The 'ai' sounds like 'ay'.
Watch out: Some learners say 'fail-yoor' with stress on second syllable.
How to Use Failure in a Sentence
Each example shows “failure” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“The project ended in failure despite weeks of hard work.”
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“Fear of failure often prevents people from trying new things.”
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“The engine failure caused the plane to make an emergency landing.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Failure
Common Synonyms for Failure
Smart Synonyms for Failure — When to Use Each
- defeat
- when you lose a game or competition decisively
- breakdown
- when a system or machine stops working
Antonyms of Failure
Common Collocations with Failure
These phrases pair with “failure” in everyday English:
- complete failure
- avoid failure
- fear of failure
- engine failure
- power failure
Common Mistakes When Using Failure
Even fluent speakers slip up with “failure”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I have a big failure in the exam.
- ✓ Correct: I had a big failure in the exam. / I failed the exam.
- Why: Use past tense 'had' for events that happened. 'Have' is present perfect and needs a recent connection.
- ✗ Wrong: His failure for try again was sad.
- ✓ Correct: His failure to try again was sad.
- Why: After 'failure' use the preposition 'to' before a verb (to-infinitive), not 'for'.
Words Confused With Failure
- Failure vs Fail: fail is the verb; failure is the noun result of failing Compare →
Other Forms of Failure
Frequently Asked Questions About Failure
What is the meaning of "Failure"?
When something does not work or when you do not achieve what you wanted.
How do you pronounce "Failure"?
The IPA is /ˈfeɪljər/. Stress the first syllable: FAIL-yur. The 'ai' sounds like 'ay'.
What part of speech is "Failure"?
"Failure" is a noun at B1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Failure"?
Common synonyms include defeat, collapse, breakdown.
How do you use "Failure" in a sentence?
For example: "The project ended in failure despite weeks of hard work."