fail
//feɪl//
Forms
- present (v1)
- fail
- past (v2)
- failed
- past participle (v3)
- failed
- present participle
- failing
- 3rd person singular
- fails
- Plural
- fails
Definitions
1.To be unsuccessful.
- Throughout my life, I have always failed.
2.Not to achieve a particular stated goal. (Usage note: The direct object of this word is usually an infinitive.)
- The truck failed to start.
3.To neglect.
- The report fails to take into account all the mitigating factors.
- Those who have advocated the closure of the G.C. have so far failed to say by which alternative route this North-to-West traffic could be carried.
4.Of a machine, etc.: to cease to operate correctly.
- After running five minutes, the engine failed.
- We also found that the only emergency egress from the tram was by smashing the front or rear windscreens, and that emergency lighting had failed when the tram overturned.
1.A failure, especially of a financial transaction (a termination of an action).
2.A failure (something incapable of success).(slang)
3.Poor quality; substandard workmanship.(slang)
- The project was full of fail.
4.A failing grade in an academic examination.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #781
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Uncommon
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
Etymology tree
Classical Latin fallere
Vulgar Latin *fallīre
Old French falirbor.
Middle English failen
English fail