1.an act that fails;
his failure to pass the test
2.an event that does not accomplish its intended purpose;
the surprise party was a complete failure
3.lack of success;
he felt that his entire life had been a failure
4.a person with a record of failing; someone who loses consistently
5.an unexpected omission;
he resented my failure to return his call
6.inability to discharge all your debts as they come due;
the company had to declare bankruptcy
7.loss of ability to function normally;
kidney failure