failure failure /ˈfeɪljɝ/

noun

1. () An act that fails  ( failure )
   an act that fails
    His failure to pass the test
   his failure to pass the test
   
2. () An event that does not accomplish its intended purpose  ( failure )
   an event that does not accomplish its intended purpose
    The surprise party was a complete failure
   the surprise party was a complete failure
   
   
3. () A person with a record of failing; someone who loses consistently  ( loser , nonstarter , unsuccessful person , failure , no-hoper [Informal] )
   a person with a record of failing; someone who loses consistently
     Despite his efforts, John considered himself a failure because he hadn't achieved his goals.
   Despite his efforts, John considered himself a failure because he hadn't achieved his goals.
   
4. () Lack of success  ( failure )
   lack of success
    He felt that his entire life had been a failure
   he felt that his entire life had been a failure
    That year there was a crop failure
   that year there was a crop failure
   
5. () An unexpected omission  ( failure )
   an unexpected omission
    He resented my failure to return his call
   he resented my failure to return his call
    The mechanic's failure to check the brakes
   the mechanic's failure to check the brakes
   
6. Loss of ability to function normally  ( failure )
   loss of ability to function normally
    Kidney failure
   kidney failure
   
7. Inability to discharge all your debts as they come due  ( failure , bankruptcy )
   inability to discharge all your debts as they come due
    The company had to declare bankruptcy
   the company had to declare bankruptcy
    Fraudulent loans led to the failure of many banks
   fraudulent loans led to the failure of many banks