an act that fails; his failure to pass the test'

an event that does not accomplish its intended purpose; the surprise party was a complete failure'

lack of success; he felt that his entire life had been a failure; that year there was a crop failure'

a person with a record of failing; someone who loses consistently

[ Syn: loser , nonstarter , unsuccessful person ]

an unexpected omission; he resented my failure to return his call; the mechanic's failure to check the brakes'

inability to discharge all your debts as they come due; the company had to declare bankruptcy; fraudulent loans led to the failure of many banks

[ Syn: bankruptcy ]

loss of ability to function normally; kidney failure'