THE FACT OF NOT BEING SUCCESSFUL
Failure is not an option.
Synonyms and examples
The complete breakdown of local infrastructure left residents without water or electricity.
The markets experienced a meltdown at the news of the sale.
The car manufacturer’s collapse left the region’s economy in tatters.
informal
He tried to sing the anthem, but it was an epic fail.
informal
We made plans to see the concert together, but she got sick and my car broke down, so it was a total washout.
We had so many staff call in sick that the shift was a complete fiasco.
After the Watergate debacle, Americans demanded more accountability for the President.
UK informal
His political campaign was a complete omnishambles from the very beginning.
US informal
His team demanded he go to rehab after his public flameout.
Studies show that students who are not given adequate preparation are prone to non-success.
formal
The method’s inefficacy was discussed.
Antonym and example
I wish you success in all your future endeavours.
See words related to failure
SOMEONE OR SOMETHING THAT IS NOT SUCCESSFUL
The shuttle launch was a complete failure.
Synonyms and examples
The operation was a success.
informal
I really wanted to like it, but that show ended up being a real turkey.
US informal
That pitch was a real clunker.
US informal
His website was one of the biggest dotcom bombs in the history of the internet.
informal
My charger doesn’t work – I think I’ve got a dud.
mainly US informal
His new car is a lemon.
informal
She just can’t get ahead – she’s a born loser.
informal
His first feature-length film was a flop.
All the books in this series are excellent – there are no lame ducks.
UK
That lot of no-hopers will never make it to the World Cup.
informal
They’ll never agree to that – it’s a non-starter for the Democrats.
The programme was required to track all measurable successes and non-successes.
See words related to failure
THE FACT OF NOT DOING SOMETHING YOU SHOULD
Failure to follow the employee guidelines can lead to your immediate termination.
Synonyms and examples
The bank seized his house because his mortgage was in default.
He was dishonourably discharged for dereliction of duty.
Corruption and neglect resulted in a government that was weakened enough to be overthrown.
Educational standards deteriorated thanks to the negligence of the administration.
His first marriage was certainly a lapse in judgment.
Their non-action will hinder our ability to move forward with the plan.
formal
This is not the time for inaction – we must fight for our freedoms.
See words related to failure
Cambridge English Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press
failure | American Thesaurus
Her failure to get the job surprised us.
The bank warned him about his failure to meet the payments.
The failure of the bank caused a panic in the town.
The party was a failure. His wife thinks he’s a failure.
The failure of her eyesight makes reading difficult.
Synonyms for failure from Random House Roget’s College Thesaurus, Revised and Updated Edition © 2000 Random House, Inc.
