[jblow]

By this metric just about every single new business is a failure, including 100% of YC startups. At that point is it a useful distinction to draw?

[ckastner]

Your conclusion is wrong.

A profit is a realized financial gain. In a given period, income surpassed expenses.

A business failure is a business that has failed, it has ended.

A lack of profit can lead to failure, but in no way implies it.