##  [Mean Time to Failure](/mean-time-failure) 

  ##  [Mean Time to Failure](https://engineering.quantumdictionary.io/mean-time-failure-0) 

  

 [![Engineering & Applied Technologies Dictionary](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/Engineering%20%26%20Applied%20Technologies.png.webp?itok=_IKO7_-n)](/topic-specific-dictionaries/engineering-applied-technologies)



**Engineering & Applied Technologies Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

The expected operating time until the first failure for a non‑repairable component or system under specified conditions; a population‑level statistical average (mean) used to express typical lifetime for items that are not repaired in service. MTTF applies to end‑of‑life for single‑use or throwaway components and depends on the operating profile and failure definition.