fails

fails · verb

imported

Definitions

verb

  1. 1.

    (verb) Third person singular present tense of "fail": does not succeed.

  2. 2.

    (verb) Does not meet a required standard.

  3. 3.

    (verb) Stops working or functioning.

  4. 4.

    (noun, plural, informal) Instances of failure, especially humorous ones.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    never fails — always happens or works
  • •
    words fail me — I cannot express my feelings

Related words

Antonyms: achieves, passes, succeeds
See also: fail, failed, failure
Synonyms: falls_short, falters, flops

Etymology

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