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fail

[feɪl]

fail Definition

  • 1to not succeed in achieving a goal or task
  • 2to receive a grade that is below the passing mark

Using fail: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fail" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I failed my driving test for the third time.

  • Example

    The company failed to meet its sales target this quarter.

  • Example

    The cake failed to rise properly in the oven.

  • Example

    He failed to show up for the meeting.

fail Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for fail

  • flunk
  • lose
  • fall short
  • miss the mark
  • come to nothing

Antonyms for fail

Idioms Using fail

  • to not understand or appreciate the significance or value of something

    Example

    I fail to see the point of spending so much money on designer clothes.

  • to not meet the required standard or level of performance

    Example

    Despite his hard work, he failed to make the grade and was not selected for the team.

  • to fail at the very beginning of a task or project

    Example

    He failed at the first hurdle when he realized he didn't have the necessary tools for the job.

Phrases with fail

  • to fail in an extremely bad or embarrassing way

    Example

    Despite all his efforts, he failed miserably in his attempt to win her heart.

  • to not do something that was expected or required

    Example

    The government failed to take action to prevent the spread of the virus.

  • fail-safe

    a system or plan designed to prevent failure or minimize the consequences of failure

    Example

    The new software includes a fail-safe mechanism to prevent data loss in case of a system crash.

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Summary: fail in Brief

To 'fail' [feɪl] means to not succeed in achieving a goal or task, or to receive a grade that is below the passing mark. It can refer to various contexts such as academic performance, work projects, or personal endeavors. Examples include 'I failed my driving test for the third time,' and 'The cake failed to rise properly in the oven.' The phrase 'fail miserably' emphasizes a particularly bad or embarrassing failure, while 'fail-safe' refers to a system or plan designed to prevent failure.

How do native speakers use this expression?