Fail″ure (?), n. [From Fail.] 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 promise.
3. Want of success; the state of having failed.
4. Decay, or defect from decay; deterioration; as, the failure of memory or of sight.
5. A becoming insolvent; bankruptcy; suspension of payment; as, failure in business.
6. A failing; a slight fault. Johnson.