## Definition > The specific manner or way by which a failure occurs in terms of failure of the part, component, function, equipment, subsystem, or system under investigation. Depending on the type of FMEA performed, failure mode may be described at various levels of detail. A piece part FMEA will focus on detailed part or component failure modes (such as fully fractured axle or deformed axle, or electrical contact stuck open, stuck short, or intermittent). A functional FMEA will focus on functional failure modes. These may be general (such as No Function, Over Function, Under Function, Intermittent Function, or Unintended Function) or more detailed and specific to the equipment being analyzed. A PFMEA will focus on process failure modes (such as inserting the wrong drill bit). [^w1] [^w1]: [Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (wiki)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failure_mode_and_effects_analysis)