Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Failure
1.
Cessation of supply, or total defect; a failing; deficiency;
as,
failure
of rain; failure
of crops.2.
Omission; nonperformance;
as, the
. failure
to keep a promise3.
Want of success; the state of having failed.
4.
Decay, or defect from decay; deterioration;
as, the
. failure
of memory or of sight5.
A becoming insolvent; bankruptcy; suspension of payment;
as,
. failure
in business6.
A failing; a slight fault.
[Obs.]
Johnson.
Webster 1828 Edition
Failure
FA'ILURE
,Noun.
1.
A failing; deficience; cessation of supply, or total defect; as the failure of springs or streams; failure of rain; failure of crops.2.
Omission; non-performance; as the failure of a promise; a man's failure in the execution of a trust.3.
Decay, or defect from decay; as the failure of memory or of sight.4.
A breaking, or becoming insolvent. At the close of a war, the prices of commodities fall, and innumerable failures secceed.5.
A failing; a slight fault. [Little used.]