fail
fail Lexical Profile
fail Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To be unsuccessful in achieving a goal, completing a task, or passing an examination.
"The negotiators worked through the night, lest the peace talks fail to produce an agreement."
To neglect or omit to do something expected, required, or promised.
"Several witnesses failed to appear at the scheduled hearing."
To stop working properly, break down, or become weak and ineffective (especially of a machine, bodily organ, or faculty).
"The aircraft's backup generator kicked in immediately after the main power system failed."
To disappoint, desert, or prove inadequate for someone in a time of need.
"Words failed her when she tried to express her gratitude to the rescue team."
To judge a candidate or student as not having met the required standard in an examination or course.
"The examiner had no choice but to fail the driver after he ran a red light."
• noun
A mark or grade indicating that a student has not achieved the minimum standard required to pass an examination or course.
"Missing the final project submission resulted in an automatic fail for the semester."
An embarrassing mistake, unsuccessful attempt, or disappointing outcome (used chiefly in informal contexts).
"Attempting to bake a three-tier cake without a recipe turned out to be a complete fail."
• Rhymes for fail
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English failen, borrowed from Old French faillir, which derives from Vulgar Latin fallire, a variant of Classical Latin fallere ('to deceive, trip, or disappoint').