noun
1.
omission of performance of an action or task
the mechanic's failure to adjust the brakes
Synonyms: default, delinquency, dereliction, neglect, oversight
Related Word: laxity, negligence, remissness, slackness; indifference, unconcern
Contrasted words: accomplishment, achievement, discharge, effectuation, fulfillment
2.
lack of satisfactory performance or effect
the failure of the candidate in the election
Synonyms: defeat, insuccess, nonsuccess, unsuccess, unsuccessfulness
Related Word: failing, fault, imperfection, shortcoming
Idioms: no go
Antonyms: success
3.
the fact or state of being inadequate
the crop failure brought on a near famine
Synonyms: defalcation, deficiency, deficit, inadequacy, insufficience, insufficiency, lack, scantiness, shortage, underage; compare absence , scarcity
Related Word: inferiority, meagerness, poorness, skimpiness; dearth, paucity
Contrasted words: abundance, adequacy, sufficiency
4.
a marked weakening
felt a gradual failure of physical strength
Synonyms: declination, decline, deterioration, ebbing, waning
Related Word: debilitation, enfeeblement, exhaustion, flagging, weakness
Contrasted words: improvement; invigoration, revitalization, strengthening
5.
one that has failed
he is a failure in school because of inattention
Synonyms: bomb, bummer, bust, dud, flop, lemon, loser
Related Word: botch, fiasco, fizzle, hash, muddle, washout; has-been, might-have-been
Antonyms: success