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Failure in Irish (Loiceadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘loiceadh’ also means: default · misfire

The Irish for failure is loiceadh, a masculine noun. Ag loiceadh is failing, from the verb loic.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “failure” in Irish

Irish:
loiceadh
English:
failure, default, misfire
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
loic, to fail (ag loiceadh, failing)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“LIK-uh”  /ˈlʲɪcə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
loicthe, an loicthe (e.g. contúirt loicthe, danger of failure)

What does “loiceadh” mean?

“Loiceadh” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

failure
The act of failing or flinching, the verbal noun of the verb 'loic' (fail, flinch, back out).Also: failing, flinching, backing out, shirking.
2 other meanings: default or misfire
2default
A failure to meet an obligation, such as not paying a debt or not turning up.Also: non-payment, defaulting.
3misfire
The failure of a gun or engine to fire or work properly.Also: misfiring, breakdown.

Other Irish words for failure: teip (failure), cliseadh (failure)

“Loiceadh” as a verbal noun

After ag, loiceadh means failing: it is the verbal noun of the verb loic (to fail). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
loiceadhverbal noun
=
ag loiceadhfailing

“Loiceadh” with the article

Here is loiceadh after the article (an t-alt).

an loiceadh
the failure
No change after an

“Loiceadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using loiceadh, the Irish word for failure.

Ní raibh aon loiceadh ann nuair a tháinig an crú.
There was no flinching when it came to the crunch.
Cuireadh an loiceadh sin ina leith go héagórach.
That failure was unfairly blamed on him.
Bhí baol loicthe ar an iasacht.
There was a risk of default on the loan.
Tharla loiceadh san inneall ar maidin.
The engine misfired this morning.
Ní maith liom loiceadh ar mo chuid geallúintí.
I don't like failing on my promises.
Ba é an loiceadh a chuir deireadh leis an tionscadal.
The failure was what ended the project.
Gearradh pionós air mar gheall ar loiceadh íocaíochta.
He was penalised for defaulting on payment.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Failure in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for failure?

The Irish for failure is loiceadh (pronounced “LIK-uh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean default or misfire.

How do you pronounce loiceadh in Irish?

Loiceadh is said like “LIK-uh” (IPA /ˈlʲɪcə/).

Does loiceadh have a plural?

No plural form is given for loiceadh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does loiceadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Loiceadh can mean failure, default or misfire, depending on context; the first is the most common.

What is the difference between 'loiceadh' and 'teip'?

'Teip' is the general word for failure, as in exams or plans, while 'loiceadh' suggests flinching, backing out or failing to do what was expected, and is also used for defaulting or a misfire.

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