Definition

Noun A power failure is an event where the supply of electrical power is interrupted or stops completely. It is a type of equipment failure caused by the loss of electricity.

Usage

This term is used to describe a widespread or significant loss of electrical power, often affecting a building, neighborhood, or larger area. It is a neutral, factual term commonly used in news reports, official statements, and everyday conversation.

Examples

• The storm last night caused a power failure that lasted for six hours.
• Hospitals have backup generators to operate during a power failure.
• The investigation into the cause of the power failure is ongoing.

Advanced Usage

• "to experience a power failure": This phrase is used to describe being affected by a power outage.
  • The entire town experienced a power failure after the transformer exploded.

Variants and Related Words

• Power outage (noun): This is a direct synonym for "power failure" and is often used interchangeably.
  • The ice storm caused a widespread power outage.
• Blackout (noun): This term often implies a complete and sometimes prolonged loss of power over a large area. It can have a more severe connotation than "power failure."
  • The 2003 blackout affected millions of people across the northeastern United States.
• Brownout (noun): This refers to a reduction in voltage, causing lights to dim, rather than a complete failure of power.

Synonyms

• Power outage
• Electrical failure
• Loss of power
• Electricity cut

Related Phrases

• To be plunged into darkness: An idiomatic expression describing the immediate effect of a power failure at night.
  • When the power failure occurred, the city was plunged into darkness.

Noun

1. equipment failure resulting when the supply of power fails
   • the ice storm caused a power outage