What is failure? Pronunciation and usage in English

failure means . Learn how to pronounce and use failure through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of failure

failurenoun

/ˈfeɪljə/
Definition & pronunciation of failure

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "failure" in English. Here's a breakdown with audio links to help you hear it:

The Standard Pronunciation:

  • faɪ-ˈler

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • faɪ: This is the first syllable. It's a diphthong – meaning it has a gliding sound. Think of it like saying "fie" quickly and smoothly, then adding a slightly higher, more open “i” sound. It’s similar to the "eye" sound, but a bit quicker and slightly more rounded.
  • ˈler: This is the second syllable. It's pronounced with a clear "l" sound, followed by a short "er" sound (like the "e" in "bed"). The stress is on this syllable, meaning it’s the loudest and emphasized part of the word.

Tips for getting it right:

  • The diphthong “faɪ” is key. This is often where people stumble. Practice saying "fie" and then "eye" quickly and merge them.
  • Don't overemphasize the "er". Keep it short and crisp.
  • Listen to examples: Hearing it is the best way to learn. Here are some resources:

To sum it up: faɪ-ˈler

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some practice words that use similar sounds (like "fire" or "pier")?

Usage and examples with the word failure in English

Let's break down how to use the word "failure" effectively in English. It's a word loaded with emotion, so understanding its nuances is important.

1. Basic Definition:

At its core, "failure" means not succeeding at something. It's the outcome of an attempt not achieving the desired result.

  • Example: "He experienced a failure in his business venture."
  • Example: “The test was a failure – she didn’t get any questions right."

2. Different Ways to Use "Failure":

Here's a breakdown of how you can use "failure" in various contexts, with examples:

  • As a Noun (the thing itself): This is the most common usage.

    • General Failure: "His failure to meet the deadline was disappointing."
    • Specific Failure: "The failure of the project stemmed from poor planning."
    • Personal Failure: "Dealing with the failure of his dreams was incredibly difficult."
    • Systemic Failure: “There was a failure in the security system, leading to the data breach.”

  • As a Verb (the act of failing): This describes the act of not succeeding.

    • Example: “He failed the exam.”
    • Example: “The company failed to launch the product on time.”
    • Example: “She failed to notice the danger.”

  • More nuanced uses (with different connotations):

    • Acceptable Failure/Learning Failure: This is a crucial concept. “Failure” isn’t always negative! It can be a valuable learning experience.

      • Example: "It's okay to have failures – they're opportunities to learn and grow."
      • Example: “The experiment failed, but we gained valuable data about the reaction.”
      • Phrase: "Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success."

    • Significant Failure/Catastrophic Failure: This implies a major, damaging outcome.

      • Example: “The bridge collapse was a significant failure of engineering standards.”
      • Example: “The catastrophic failure of the reactor caused widespread panic.”

    • Personal Failure (Often with Emotion): This can be deeply personal and tinged with sadness or regret.

      • Example: "She felt a sense of failure after losing her job." (implies sadness)
      • Example: “He was consumed by failure and shame.” (highlights emotional impact)

3. Synonyms and Related Words:

Using synonyms can add variety and precision to your writing or speech:

  • Success: (the opposite)
  • Defeat: (often used for competition)
  • Misstep: (a small failure)
  • Setback: (an obstacle to progress)
  • Letdown: (disappointment)
  • Non-achievement: (formal)

4. Important Considerations:

  • Tone: “Failure” can sound harsh. Consider the context and your audience. Using phrases like “learning opportunity” or “a setback” can soften the impact.
  • Specificity: Be clear what failed. Don't just say "I failed." Say "I failed to meet the sales quota" or "I failed the math test."
  • Growth Mindset: Encourage a mindset that views failure as an inevitable and valuable part of the journey to success.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you hoping to use "failure" for? (e.g., writing an essay, speaking in a presentation, describing a situation, etc.)
  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., business, personal life, academic, etc.)

Synonyms for the word failure

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