failure
UK[ˈfeɪljə(r)]US[ˈfeɪljər]
n
Lack of success in achieving or doing something.
n
The fact of a machine or part of a machine not working.
n
The fact of not doing something that you should do or are expected to do.
Morpheme Breakdown
fail
ure
fail
ure
Etymology
The word 'failure' entered English in the mid-17th century from the Anglo-Norman French failer, itself derived from the Latin verb fallere, meaning 'to deceive, disappoint, or be lacking.' The suffix -ure, of Latin origin, was added to form a noun indicating the state or result of an action. Thus, the literal construction 'the result of failing' evolved from the concrete sense of deception or falling short into its modern abstract meanings encompassing lack of success, cessation of function, or neglect of duty.
Analysis
Structure: fail + ure
- fail: From Old French faillir, from Latin fallere (to deceive, disappoint). Functional role: Core verb root.
- ure: From Old French -ure, from Latin -ura (suffix forming nouns of action or result). Functional role: Noun-forming suffix.
Examples
The project was deemed a complete failure.
Engine failure caused the plane to make an emergency landing.
His failure to comply with the regulations resulted in a fine.