Échec (en. Failure)

/eʃɛk/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Failure in a game, especially in chess where a player cannot make a legal move.
He lost the game by checkmate.
Il a perdu la partie par échec et mat.
Failure in a venture or project.
This experience was a resounding failure.
Cette expérience a été un échec retentissant.
A result that does not achieve the intended goal.
His project was considered a failure.
Son projet a été considéré comme un échec.

Etymology

From Latin 'ex cadere', meaning 'to fall out'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

checkmate
Expression used in chess when the king is in check without escape.
échec et mat
to suffer a failure
Facing a situation of defeat or non-fulfillment.
subir un échec
to thwart
To thwart or prevent someone's success or something's success.
mettre en échec

Related Words

success
Favorable outcome of an enterprise or quest.
réussite
defeat
Loss in a competition or battle.
défaite
project
Plan or proposal to achieve something.
projet

Slang Meanings

flop
His last movie was a complete flop.
Son dernier film a été un flop complet.
dud
This show was a monumental dud.
Ce spectacle a fait un bide monumental.