Fail

Quick meaning: Fail is a verb meaning (intransitive) To be unsuccessful.

Meaning

(intransitive) To be unsuccessful.

More Meanings

1. (transitive) Not to achieve a particular stated goal. (Usage note: The direct object of this word is usually an infinitive.)
2. (transitive) To neglect.
3. (intransitive) Of a machine, etc.: to cease to operate correctly.
4. (transitive) To be wanting to, to be insufficient for, to disappoint, to desert; to disappoint one's expectations.
5. (ambitransitive) To receive one or more non-passing grades in academic pursuits.
6. (transitive) To give a student a non-passing grade in an academic endeavour.
7. (transitive, obsolete) To miss attaining; to lose.

Example Sentences

The truck failed to start.

Throughout my life, I have always failed.

After running five minutes, the engine failed.

The report fails to take into account all the mitigating factors.

Word Forms

• fails
• failing
• failed
• failest
• failedst
• faileth
• faile

Synonyms for fail

Depending on context, synonyms include miscarry, founder, go to hell, flunk, go, bomb.

Antonyms for fail

Common opposites include succeed, pass, manage, nail, pull off.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include flunk, miscarry, neglect, die, break down, betray.

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