Liver failure is a severe clinical syndrome of liver disease with an extremely high mortality rate. Over the years, scholars worldwide have continuously investigated various aspects of liver failure, including its definition, etiology, classification, types, diagnosis and treatment, and prognostic assessment. Based on the latest advances in research, Liver Failure and Artificial Liver Group, Chinese Society of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Medical Association along with Severe Liver Disease and Artificial Liver Group, Chinese Society of Hepatology, Chinese Medical Association have conducted a comprehensive update on the