Failure: English Vocabulary List

lacking essential non-material needs, such as support, love, or community

"The family is destitute."

"The destitute family had no food or money and the community organized a food drive to help them."

to have a result contrary to what one desired or intended

"His plan backfired and caused more problems."

"His plan to embarrass his coworker completely backfired and ended up making him look foolish instead in front of everyone."

to fail to be successful or make any progress

"The prisoner languished in jail for years."

"The talented actor continued to languish in obscurity for many years before finally getting his big break in Hollywood."

(of a company, organization, etc.) to close or stop trading due to financial problems

"The shop had to fold."

"Unfortunately, the small independent bookstore was forced to fold after a few difficult years."

(of a plan) to fail to have the intended result

"The plan misfired badly."

"The ambitious plan to launch the product early seemed to misfire due to unforeseen logistical problems."