Material failure refers to the loss of load-bearing capacity in a material, which can occur due to various factors such as stress, fatigue, or environmental conditions. This failure can manifest as cracks, fractures, or complete breakage, leading to the inability of the material to perform its intended function. Common examples of material failure include the breaking of a metal beam under excessive weight or the cracking of concrete due to freeze-thaw cycles. Understanding material failure is crucial in fields like engineering and construction to ensure safety and reliability in structures and products.