English Lexicon

Failure

/ˈfeɪ.ljər/
nounCEFR B1 (Intermediate)Top #850 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    Lack of success in achieving or attaining a desired goal or objective.

    "The project was deemed a failure after it failed to meet any of its financial targets."
  2. 2

    The state or condition of not functioning properly or ceasing to operate.

    "A sudden power failure plunged the entire city into darkness."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'faille', meaning 'deficiency' or 'lack', originating from the verb 'faillir' (to fail, deceive, or run short). This ultimately stems from the Latin 'fallere', meaning 'to deceive' or 'to disappoint'. Over centuries, the term evolved from denoting a simple omission or shortfall to encompassing lack of success in an endeavor.

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