failures

NOUN

lack of success

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bankruptcy breakdown collapse decline defeat deficiency deterioration failing loss misstep

STRONG

abortion bomb botch bungle bust checkmate decay deficit downfall fiasco flop frustration implosion inadequacy lemon loser mess misadventure miscarriage nonperformance overthrow rout rupture stalemate stoppage turkey washout wreck

WEAK

false step faux pas flash in the pan lead balloon nonsuccess sinking ship total loss

Antonyms

STRONGEST

betterment improvement increase rise success win

STRONG

accomplishment benefit blessing continuation enough plenty triumph

WEAK

achievement achiever attainment earnings gain merit

NOUN

person who does not succeed

Synonyms

STRONGEST

disappointment

STRONG

also-ran bankrupt beat bum castaway deadbeat defaulter derelict dud flop good-for-nothing has-been incompetent insolvent loafer loser might-have-been moocher nobody prodigal turkey underachiever washout

WEAK

born loser lumpy no-good nonperformer

Antonyms

STRONG

hard worker success

WEAK

accomplishment achievement achiever attainment earnings gain merit win

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Webb, as well as Fylde MP Andrew Snowden, has called for a public inquiry into possible safeguarding failures linked to Preston Davey.

From BBC • Jun. 25, 2026

Some patients under the care of a consultant urologist in the Southern Health Trust died as a result of failures in patient care, the Urology Services Inquiry has found.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

The report said concerns about O'Brien's practice were known for many years before 2016, including triage delays, record-keeping failures, storage of patients notes at home, delayed dictation, non-standard prescribing and other clinical and administrative concerns.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2026

The collapse of Champlain Towers South, which marks its fifth anniversary on Wednesday, killed 98 people, making it one of the deadliest structural failures in U.S. history.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

The failures of your predecessors will guide you.

From "The Mark of Athena" by Rick Riordan