fail

/feɪl/

Reviewed on

Also a noun

Meaning

  1. To not succeed in achieving a goal or desired outcome.

    • He worked hard on the project but feared it might fail.

    • Why did their original marketing strategy fail so completely?

  2. To receive a non-passing grade on an exam or course, or to give a student such a grade.

    • She failed the driver's license road test on her first attempt.

    • The professor fails several students in introductory chemistry every semester.

  3. To stop functioning properly or break down.

    • The backup generator failed during the massive storm.

    • Has the central heating system ever failed before this winter?

  4. To neglect or omit to do something expected or necessary.

    • The company failed to notify customers about the sudden change in policy.

    • Never fail to back up your critical computer files.

  5. To disappoint someone by not providing expected support or assistance.

    • When she needed emergency assistance, the local legal system failed her.

    • Friends promise they will never fail each other in times of distress.

How it's used

When this means “omit to do something”

  • fail to do

He failed to return the library books on time.

When this means “disappoint someone”

  • fail a friend

“fail her.”

I promised I would help, and I will not fail her.

Collocations

  • fail an exam
  • fail a test
  • fail miserably
  • fail to realize
  • fail to mention
  • brakes fail
  • organs fail

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • succeed
  • pass
  • triumph

Idioms

  • without fail

    always; unconditionally

    She calls her parents every Sunday evening without fail.

  • fail safe

    revert to a safe state if an error occurs

    The train braking mechanism is designed to fail safe during power outages.

  • words fail me

    used to express intense shock or astonishment

    When I saw the breathtaking view from the summit, words failed me.