Recipe failures occur when a dish does not turn out as intended, often due to mistakes in measurement, timing, or technique. Common issues include overcooking, undercooking, or using the wrong ingredients, which can lead to undesirable textures or flavors. These failures can be frustrating but are also valuable learning experiences. Many home cooks and professional chefs, including famous figures like Julia Child, emphasize the importance of trial and error in the kitchen. Analyzing what went wrong can help improve future cooking skills and lead to better results in subsequent attempts.