fail
1fail
verb \ˈfāl\Definition of FAIL
intransitive verb
1
a : to lose strength : weaken <her health was failing> b : to fade or die away <until our family line fails> c : to stop functioning normally <the patient's heart failed>
2
a : to fall short <failed in his duty> b : to be or become absent or inadequate <the water supply failed> c : to be unsuccessful <the marriage failed>; specifically : to be unsuccessful in achieving a passing grade <took the exam and failed> d : to become bankrupt or insolvent
transitive verb
1
a : to disappoint the expectations or trust of <her friends failed her> b : to miss performing an expected service or function for <his wit failed him>
2
: to be deficient in : lack <never failed an invincible courage — Douglas MacArthur>
3
: to leave undone : neglect <fail to lock the door>
4
a : to be unsuccessful in passing <failed chemistry> b : to grade (as a student) as not passing
— fail·ing·ly \ˈfā-liŋ-lē\ adverb
See Examples of FAIL
- He failed in his first attempt but succeeded in his second attempt.
- His first company failed, but his second company succeeded.
- He felt that he had failed her when she needed him most.
- The government has failed the voters.
Origin of FAIL
Middle English failen, from Anglo-French faillir, from Vulgar Latin *fallire, alteration of Latin fallere to deceive, disappoint
First Known Use: 13th century
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