ˈbæŋkɹʌptsɪ ˈfeɪl.jə luːzə(ɹ) an unexpected omission he resented my failure to return his call the mechanic's failure to check the brakes an act that fails his failure to pass the test an event that does not accomplish its intended purpose the surprise party was a complete failure a person with a record of failing; someone who loses consistently loss of ability to function normally kidney failure lack of success he felt that his entire life had been a failure that year there was a crop failure inability to discharge all your debts as they come due the company had to declare bankruptcy fraudulent loans led to the failure of many banks