failure Copy link Outline I. Of supply1. dēfectio2. dēfectus, ūsII. Disappointment, want of success • failure: I. Of supply: 1. dēfectio: f. of strength, virium d., Cic.: f. of breath; i. e. a swoon, animae d., Cels. 2. dēfectus, ūs: f. of milk, lactis defectus, Plin. Phr.: there had been a partial f. of corn, angustius provenerat frumentum, Caes. B. G. 5, 24. II. Disappointment, want of success: may often be expressed by means of a verb or participle: as, after the f. of their hopes, they returned home, spe destituti domos abeunt, Curt.: I am grieved at your f., *doleo quod tibi res tam male cessit.