Reading Theme:
Failure Definition, Examples & Common Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：lack of success (failure)
failure
/ˈfeɪljər/
n.
when something doesn't work out as planned or doesn't succeed.
lack of success
➕
/læk əv səkˈses/
n.
The state or condition of not achieving a desired goal or outcome.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Latin "fallere" (deceive) → Old French "faillir" → English "fail" + "-ure".
💡 Mnemonic
Fail + Ure = Failed Attempt I Lose, Unsuccessful Result Eventually.
📖 Example
After studying hard, his failure to pass the final exam was a big surprise to everyone.
After studying hard, his failure to pass the final exam was a big surprise to everyone.
🔗 Collocations
admit failure – to acknowledge that one has failed
a complete failure – a failure that is total and without any positive aspect
failure to act – the failure to take necessary action
🔄 Synonyms
defeat (n.) – the outcome of losing in a contest or goal
setback (n.) – a problem that delays or reverses progress
non-success (n.) – lack of success; failure
🚫 Antonyms
success (n.) – achievement of a desired goal
achievement (n.) – something accomplished successfully
triumph (n.) – a great victory or success
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin "fallere" (to disappoint), via Old French "faillir", the word entered Middle English. It is frequently used in business to describe unsuccessful ventures.
Meaning 2：unsuccessful thing (failure)
failure
/ˈfeɪljər/
n.
a person or thing that does not succeed.
unsuccessful thing
➕
/ˌʌnsəkˈsesfəl θɪŋ/
n.
An entity that has not met expectations or standards.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The new mobile app was a total failure; hardly anyone downloaded it after its launch.
The new mobile app was a total failure; hardly anyone downloaded it after its launch.
🔗 Collocations
a total failure – a complete and utter failure
feel like a failure – to have a sense of personal inadequacy
a failure in business – a venture that did not succeed commercially
🔄 Synonyms
loser (n.) – a person or thing that is unsuccessful
underachiever (n.) – someone who performs below their potential
dud (n.) – something that fails to work or meet expectations
🚫 Antonyms
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