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fail
/feɪl/
to not succeed
If you don't study, you will fail the exam.
Not studying leads to not passing the exam.
general
to not achieve the desired result or meet a standard
The project failed due to lack of funding.
The project did not succeed because it ran out of money.
He failed to convince his boss.
He was unable to persuade his boss.
Often used with 'to' to indicate a specific action that was not completed.
Technology
technical
to stop functioning or working properly
The server failed during peak hours.
The server stopped working when it was most needed.
In technology, this often refers to hardware or software malfunctions.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Usage
'Fail' is often used with 'to' to indicate a specific action that was not completed.
Gold Rule
Formal vs. Informal
In formal contexts, 'fail' is often used with 'to' (e.g., 'fail to complete'), while in informal contexts, it can be used alone (e.g., 'The test was a fail').
Word Origin
From Middle English 'faillen', from Old French 'faillir', from Latin 'fallere' meaning 'to deceive'.
Usage Notes
Can be used as a noun (e.g., 'a fail') in informal contexts to describe a mistake or failure.
Word Breakdown
fail
not succeed
rootEnglish Dictionary