failure crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling a puzzle and stuck on the clue "failure crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of potential answers, complete with explanations, to help you complete your crossword.
Solutions for "failure crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
FLOP: A complete failure, often of a performance or project.
FAIL: To be unsuccessful in achieving one's goal.
LOSS: The state or fact of no longer having something or having less of something; often related to a defeat or a bad outcome.
BOMB: Informal term for a total failure or fiasco, especially of a play, film, or similar performance.
5 Letters
WRECK: To destroy or severely damage something; often implies a disastrous failure or ruin.
BOTCH: To carry out (a task) badly or carelessly; to bungle.
SLUMP: A sudden severe or prolonged fall in the price, value, or amount of something; a period of poor performance.
6 Letters
DEFEAT: The act of winning a victory over an opponent, or the state of being beaten in a contest.
FIASCO: A complete and ignominious failure.
FIZZLE: To fail or end feebly, especially after a promising start.
FOULUP: A muddle or mistake, especially one for which someone is to blame.
7 Letters
DEBACLE: A sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco.
MISFIRE: A plan or attempt that goes wrong or does not produce the intended results.
SETBACK: A reversal or check in progress; a temporary defeat.
8 Letters
DISASTER: A sudden event that causes great damage or loss; also used to describe something that is a complete failure.
COLLAPSE: A sudden fall in value, numbers, or importance; a breakdown or failure.
9 Letters
OVERSIGHT: An unintentional failure to notice or do something.
BREAKDOWN: A mechanical failure or collapse; a cessation of normal functioning due to some kind of failure.
10 Letters
NONSTARTER: A person or thing that has no chance of succeeding, or one that proves impractical.
BANKRUPTCY: The state of being unable to pay outstanding debts; a complete failure or ruin.
More About "failure crossword clue"
The concept of "failure" is a rich source for crossword setters, as it can be interpreted in many ways—from a minor oversight to a complete catastrophe. Crossword clues for "failure" often play on synonyms, idioms, or specific contexts where failure occurs. For instance, a clue might refer to a failed stage performance (FLOP, BOMB), a failed negotiation (COLLAPSE), or a general state of not succeeding (DEFEAT, FIASCO).
Understanding the nuances of the clue is key. If the clue suggests something minor, answers like BOTCH or MISFIRE might fit. If it implies something catastrophic, DISASTER or DEBACLE could be more appropriate. Always consider the number of letters and any intersecting words to narrow down the possibilities and confidently fill in the correct answer.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: Pay close attention to adjectives or adverbs in the clue like "total failure" or "slight failure." These words often point to specific synonyms with different intensities.
- Check Letter Count and Intersections: This is your most powerful tool. The number of letters required and the letters provided by intersecting words will significantly narrow down the potential answers for "failure."
- Consider Common Phrases: Many failure-related terms are part of common idioms (e.g., "go bust," "a wash," "miss the mark"). Crossword setters love to use these idiomatic expressions.
- Think Beyond Literal Synonyms: Sometimes the answer might describe a consequence of failure (e.g., RUIN) or a specific type of failed attempt (e.g., FIZZLE).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'failure' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'failure' can refer to a state of not achieving a goal, a specific event of failing, or even a person or thing that has failed. Clues might hint at a 'flop,' 'debacle,' 'miss,' or 'bust,' depending on the nuance and letter count required.
Are there common synonyms for 'failure' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for 'failure' that frequently appear as crossword answers include FLOP, FIASCO, DEFEAT, BOTCH, MISS, BUST, RUIN, and SETBACK. The exact answer depends on the number of letters and any other intersecting clues.
How can I distinguish between different 'failure' answers with similar lengths?
Look at the surrounding clues and already filled-in letters. The specific phrasing of the clue (e.g., 'total failure,' 'minor failure,' 'failure to act') can also provide hints. Additionally, considering the setter's style and common crossword tropes can help you pinpoint the precise word.