The state of not succeeding at something; an attempt that does not work or reach its goal. It can also mean a breakdown of a system or part.
From Old French “faillir” meaning “to fail, lack, miss,” from Latin “fallere” meaning “to deceive or disappoint.” The noun form in English developed to name the result of failing.
The root of “failure” is tied to disappointment and being “let down,” not just getting something wrong. That’s why failure feels so emotional—our brains treat it as a broken promise between effort and outcome.
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