[fail.ure] n [alter. of earlier failer, fr. AF, fr. OF faillir to fail] (1643) 1 a: omission of occurrence or performance; specif: a failing to perform a duty or expected action b: a state of inability to perform a normal function "kidney ~"--compare heart failure c: a fracturing or giving way under stress "structural ~"
2. a: lack of success b: a failing in business: bankruptcy 3 a: a falling short: deficiency "a crop ~" b: deterioration, decay
4: one that has failed