"failure mechanism" refers to the way or process through which something stops working or breaks down. It's a way of describing how and why things can fail or stop functioning as intended. Full definition
There are two failure mechanisms of concern to dividend investors: a failure to keep up with inflation and actual dividend cuts. (early-retirement-planning-insights.com)
Provide expert support for yield analysis, process engineering, materials characterization and characterization of failure mechanisms for integrated circuits. (members.climber.com)