FAILURE


Meaning of FAILURE in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ feɪljə(r) ]

( failures)

Frequency: The word is one of the 1500 most common words in English.

1.

Failure is a lack of success in doing or achieving something, especially in relation to a particular activity.

This policy is doomed to failure...

Three attempts on the British 200-metre record also ended in failure.

...feelings of failure.

≠ success

N-UNCOUNT

2.

If something is a failure , it is not a success.

The marriage was a failure and they both wanted to be free of it...

His six-year transition programme has by no means been a complete failure.

≠ success

N-COUNT

3.

If you say that someone is a failure , you mean that they have not succeeded in a particular activity, or that they are unsuccessful at everything they do.

Elgar received many honors and much acclaim and yet he often considered himself a failure...

≠ success

N-COUNT

4.

Your failure to do a particular thing is the fact that you do not do it, even though you were expected to do it.

...their failure to get the product mix right.

N-UNCOUNT : N to-inf , oft poss N

5.

If there is a failure of something, for example a machine or part of the body, it goes wrong and stops working or developing properly.

There were also several accidents mainly caused by engine failures on take-off...

He was being treated for kidney failure...

N-VAR : with supp , oft n N

6.

If there is a failure of a business or bank, it is no longer able to continue operating. ( BUSINESS )

Business failures rose 16% last month.

= collapse

N-VAR : with supp

Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Английский словарь Коллинз COBUILD для изучающих язык на продвинутом уровне.