failure

Pronunciation: /ˈfeɪ.ljəɹ/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun an act that fails
  2. noun an event that does not accomplish its intended purpose
  3. noun lack of success

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman failer, from Old French faillir (“to fail”). Equivalent to fail + -ure.

In classic literature

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
nonaccomplishment
Narrower (hyponyms)
error, backsliding, naught, nonconformity, loss, out

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