First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1fail
verb \ˈfāl\
: to not succeed : to end without success
: to not succeed as a business : to become bankrupt
: to not do (something that you should do or are expected to do)
Full 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 fail defined for English-language learners
See fail defined for kids
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Origin of FAIL
Middle English failen, from Anglo-French faillir, from Vulgar Latin *fallire, alteration of Latin fallere to deceive, disappoint
Related to FAIL
- Synonyms
- break, break down, conk (out), crash, cut out, die, give out, stall
- Antonyms
- start (up)
Rhymes with FAIL
2fail
noun
Definition of FAIL
1
: failure —usually used in the phrase without fail
2
: a failure (as by a security dealer) to deliver or receive securities within a prescribed period after purchase or sale
See fail defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FAIL
13th century
FAIL Defined for Kids
1fail
verb \ˈfāl\
failedfail·ing
Definition of FAIL for Kids
1
: to be unsuccessful <He failed the test.>
2
: to grade as not passing <My teacher failed me.>
3
: to stop functioning <The engine failed.>
4
: to be or become absent or not enough <The water supply failed.>
5
: to become bankrupt <The business failed.>
6
: 1neglect 2 <Don't fail to ask if you need my help.>
7
: disappoint, desert <I need your help. Please don't fail me.>
8
: to lose strength : weaken <She's failing in health.>
9
: to fall short <One drink failed to satisfy my thirst.>
10
: to die away <The family line failed.>
2fail
noun
Definition of FAIL for Kids
: failure 2 <We met daily without fail.>
Medical Dictionary
fail
intransitive verb \ˈfā(ə)l\
Medical Definition of FAIL
1
: to weaken or lose strength <her health was failing>
2
: to stop functioning normally <the patient's heart failed>
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