fail

fail · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    To be unsuccessful in achieving a goal.

  2. 2.

    To not do something that is expected or required.

  3. 3.

    To stop working properly.

  4. 4.

    To become bankrupt or insolvent.

  5. 5.

    To decline or weaken.

  6. 6.

    A grade indicating unsuccessful performance (especially in education).

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    fail miserably — To fail completely.
  • •
    without fail — Certainly; always.
  • •
    fail-safe — Designed to prevent total failure.
  • •
    too big to fail — So important that failure would be catastrophic.
  • •
    words fail me — Unable to express oneself.

Related words

Antonyms: pass, succeed, triumph
See also: collapse, failure, pass, succeed
Synonyms: collapse, fall short, flunk, miscarry

Etymology

From Old French faillir ("to fail, be lacking"), from Vulgar Latin fallire, from Latin fallere ("to deceive, disappoint").