Synonyms for

Failure

Verb / ˈfeɪljɜ: / Another word for failure — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The lack of success in doing something.

Synonyms & similar words

bankruptcy achiever success nonstarter loser unsuccessfulperson defeat flop loss miscarriage misstep nonperformance setback washout bomb breakdown bust collapse disappointment disaster flunk lemon miss ruin stumble turkey

Synonyms by register

Formal

inadequacy insufficiency nonperformance default

Informal

flub bust washout bomb

Literary

undoing downfall ruin

Antonyms

success triumph victory achievement accomplishment win prosperity

Common collocations

  • complete failure
  • utter failure
  • epic failure
  • avoid failure
  • prevent failure
  • learn from failure
  • spectacular failure
  • ignominious failure

Word family

noun failure
verb fail
adjective failing
adverb failingly

Usage note

While 'failure' can refer to a specific instance of not succeeding, it can also refer to a general state of being unsuccessful. Be mindful of the context to distinguish between these meanings.

Example sentences

  1. The team's failure to score a goal made them lose the match.
  2. I learned from my failure and tried again.
  3. Her business suffered a big failure during the recession.
  4. Failure is a part of life, we should learn from it.
  5. He was afraid of failure and didn't even try.

Quotes

  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • Failure is the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently. - Henry Ford
  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. - Thomas A. Edison

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words