epäonnistuminen — meaning in English: failure

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for failure

epäonnistuminen

matkailija

käänteentekevä

koulutus

suklaa

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Finnish for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 'epäonnistuminen' primarily in situations involving personal or professional setbacks. For instance, a student might express their feelings after not passing an exam, stating, 'Epäonnistuminen ei ole maailmanloppu,' meaning 'Failure is not the end of the world.' Additionally, it's often used in discussions about business ventures that did not succeed, highlighting the emotional weight of such experiences.

Synonyms & nuances

'Epäonnistuminen' is closely related to the words 'pettymys' (disappointment) and 'kaatuminen' (collapse). While 'pettymys' emphasizes the emotional response to unmet expectations, 'epäonnistuminen' focuses more on the lack of success itself. You would choose 'epäonnistuminen' when you want to highlight the act of failing rather than the feelings surrounding that failure.

Culture

'Epäonnistuminen' is derived from the Finnish verb 'onnistua,' meaning 'to succeed,' with the prefix 'epä-' indicating negation. This interesting formation reflects a cultural perspective where failure is seen as a stepping stone to future success, aligning with Finnish values of resilience and learning from mistakes. In Finnish culture, discussing failures openly can foster deeper connections and mutual understanding among people.

FAQ

Q.What does 'epäonnistuminen' mean in English?

'Epäonnistuminen' translates to 'failure' in English, referring to the lack of success in achieving a goal or desired outcome.

Q.How do you use 'epäonnistuminen' in a sentence?

You can use 'epäonnistuminen' in a sentence like, 'Minun epäonnistuminen projektissa opetti minulle paljon,' which means 'My failure in the project taught me a lot.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'epäonnistuminen'?

A common mistake is confusing 'epäonnistuminen' with other similar terms. Remember, 'epäonnistuminen' specifically implies the act of failing, while other words may convey disappointment or defeat without emphasizing the action itself.

Learn finnish with Maspeak →

Finnish Vocabulary