heart failure

noun

1
: a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood at an adequate rate or in adequate volume
2
: cessation of heartbeat : death

Examples of heart failure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Queen Sonja was hospitalized in May following a heart failure diagnosis. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026 After seven years, receiving Shingrix versus the older Zostavax was associated with a 9% lower overall cardiovascular burden, defined as a bucket of coronary heart disease, heart failure, and stroke. — Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 26 Aug. 2026 That included decreased risk of heart disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation, or irregular heart rhythm. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 The actor’s family said in a statement to TMZ that Michael Wright died on Wednesday in Los Angeles from apparent heart failure and complications associated with Marchiafava-Bignami, a rare and progressive neurological disorder. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for heart failure

Word History

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of heart failure was in 1574

Browse Nearby Words

hearten
heart failure
heartfelt
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heart failure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heart%20failure. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

heart failure

noun
1
: a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood at an adequate rate or in adequate volume compare angina pectoris, congestive heart failure, coronary failure, heart attack
2
: cessation of heartbeat : death

More from Merriam-Webster on heart failure

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heart failure

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