Are liver failure and cirrhosis the same?

No: Liver failure means that the liver is no longer functioning effectively and there are many causes for this, including end-stage cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis is extensive liver scarring which prevents the remaining area of viable tissue from providing effective functioning to meet the needs of the body. Two different pathophysiologic processes.

Liver insufficiency: Cirrhosis is a chronic condition & means that there is fibrosis constricting the arteries. Veins and billiary ducts of the liver causing dysfunction. Cirrhosis is the end of the spectrum of hepatitis b or c and alcoholism. Cirrhosis may degenerate in cancer of the liver too. Liver failure may be caused acutely by toxicity from drugs, medications, venoms, lack of circulation to the liver, injuries.