The phrase "seeming failure" refers to something that appears to be a failure or loss at first, but may actually turn out to be successful or helpful in the long run. Full definition
But there was a time when space travel kindled grandiose visions in scientists» minds, when rockets were as tall as skyscrapers and an unmanned mission seemed a failure of nerve. (discovermagazine.com)
The path that had brought me to this first - grade teacher was one of seeming failure. (relevantmagazine.com)
The seeming failure to produce new means to meet what is in so many respects a radically different world may indicate an ominous lack of resiliency. (religion-online.org)