failure

n 1: an act that fails

2: an event that does not accomplish its intended purpose [ant:

{success}]

3: lack of success [ant: {success}]

4: a person with a record of failing [syn: {loser}, {nonstarter},

{unsuccessful person}] [ant: {achiever}]

5: an unexpected omission; "he resented my failure to return

his call"

failure

The inability of a system or system component to perform a

required function within specified limits. A failure may be

produced when a {fault} is encountered.

(1996-05-13)