to fail

Examples

• All

• If I fail English, it's all because of you.

  Honor Society (2022)

• You tried your best, but you failed.

  Jack Be Nimble (2022)

• But I tell you what, if you fail school, you have to stay here.

• What if I took the test and failed; how would my family feel about me?

  Academic text (2008)

• I found that many students who have failed in courses have trouble in life.

  Academic text (2012)

• If you fail here, they'll send you to juvie.

  Camp Hideout (2023)

• In the event your students fail the proficiency check, you know where the responsibility rests.

  Academic text (2015)

• Unfortunately, fourth-graders still failed to rank within the top 10, coming in at 11th in mathematics.

  Academic text (2013)

• For example, Horace Greeley served in Congress but failed in his attempt to win the presidency.

  Academic text (1999)

• But you can take it from me that I shall pass on any blame — and with interest — to any one of you who fails in his duties.

  Paths of Glory (1957)

Synonyms

F

to flunk

vsto fail

• Informal

85 5.6

To fail an exam or class by not getting a passing grade

is broader covering not passing or being judged unsuccessful generally

B

to bomb

vsto fail

• Informal

47 5.1

To fail badly, for example in a test or performance

can mean not passing without implying a very bad result

Antonyms

S

to succeed

846 2.0

To reach a goal after trying hard

P

to pass

388 1.0

To succeed in a test or exam

Idioms

W

words fail (someone)

7.6

To feel so surprised or moved that you cannot find words to say

W

to words fail you

7.4

To be unable to say anything because you feel very surprised or moved

Phrasal Verbs

N

to never fail to

14 2.7

Always make the same thing happen

F

to fail to impress

2 4.1

Not make people think something is good or special

N

to never fail to amuse

1 3.5

To always make people laugh

Compounds

F

fail-safe

• Specialized

11 5.0

A device or system that makes a machine go to a safe state if it breaks

F

fail-safe

• Specialized

3 5.6

Designed to work safely if something goes wrong

How Successful

to ace

44 3.9

pass

11 1.4

to fail

438 1.0

Surface Forms

Etymology