fail
6 ENTRIES FOUND:
fails;
failed;
failing
fails;
failed;
failing
Britannica Dictionary definition of FAIL
1
a
:
to not succeed
:
to end without success
[no object]
-
He failed in his first attempt but succeeded in his second attempt.
-
The rebellion failed completely.
-
an experiment that failed = a failed experiment
-
a marriage that is failing = a failing marriage
-
The drought caused the crops to fail. [=the crops did not grow successfully because of the drought]
-
He only bothers to read the directions if/when all else fails. [=if/when everything else he has attempted has failed]
[+ object]
— followed by to + verb
-
She failed to finish the race.
-
He failed to achieve all that he hoped to achieve.
b
[no object]
:
to not succeed as a business
:
to become bankrupt
-
His first company failed, but his second company succeeded.
-
The bank failed.
-
a failed bank
2
a
[+ object]
:
to not do (something that you should do or are expected to do)
— followed by to + verb
-
He failed to act on the advice of his staff. [=he should have acted on their advice but he didn't]
-
He failed to mention his new girlfriend when he spoke to his parents.
b
:
to not do something
[+ object]
— followed by to + verb
-
I turned on the switch but the light failed to go on.
-
It never fails to surprise me that people can be so gullible. [=I am always surprised that people can be so gullible]
-
Her public appearances rarely fail to attract huge crowds. [=her public appearances almost always attract huge crowds]
-
It never fails to rain [=it always rains] when I plan to take a day off.
-
I fail to see/understand [=I don't see/understand] why we need to change the current system. [=I don't think we need to change it]
[no object]
-
It never fails: I plan to take a day off, and it rains. [=whenever I plan to take a day off, it rains]
3
[+ object]
:
to not do or provide something that is needed by (someone)
-
He felt that he had failed her when she needed him most.
-
The government has failed the voters.
-
In the face of continued threats, his courage failed him. [=he lost courage, he became afraid]
-
He wanted to express his appreciation for all they had done, but words failed him. [=he did not know what to say]
4
a
:
to be unsuccessful in passing (an examination, a course of study, etc.)
[+ object]
-
He failed the test/exam.
-
He failed chemistry.
[no object]
-
He failed in chemistry.
-
Failing students must repeat the course.
b
[+ object]
:
to decide that (someone) has not passed an examination or course of study
-
The teacher failed several students.
-
He received a failing grade/mark in chemistry. [=his teacher gave him a grade/mark that showed he failed chemistry]
5
[no object]
a
:
to stop working
-
The power failed.
-
The plane's engine failed, forcing an emergency landing.
-
His kidneys failed.
b
:
to lose strength
:
to become weak or weaker
-
Her health/eyesight is starting to fail.
-
Her children are concerned about her failing health/eyesight.
2
fail
/ˈfeɪl/
noun
2
fail
/ˈfeɪl/
noun
Britannica Dictionary definition of FAIL
without fail
1
— used to stress that something always happens
-
Every day, without fail, he has toast and coffee for breakfast.
2
— used to stress that something will definitely happen
-
She promised that she would be there without fail. [=she would definitely be there]
