1. (noun)failure an act that fails
"his failure to pass the test"
2. (noun)failure an event that does not accomplish its intended purpose "the surprise party was a complete failure"
3. (noun)failure lack of success "he felt that his entire life had been a failure"; "that year there was a crop failure"
4. (noun)failure, loser, nonstarter, unsuccessful person a person with a record of failing; someone who loses consistently
5. (noun)failure an unexpected omission "he resented my failure to return his call"; "the mechanic's failure to check the brakes"
6. (noun)bankruptcy, failure 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"