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fail

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verb British English pronunciation: fail /feɪl/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theyfail
he/she/itfails
present participlefailing
past tensefailed
past participlefailed
 
  1. 1
    [intransitive] to be unsuccessful when you try to do something

    Most people who try to lose weight fail dismally.

    fail to do something:

    They have failed to come up with any practical solutions.

    fail in:

    He failed in his attempt to get compensation.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  failThesaurus entry for this meaning of fail
    1. a.
      used about actions or plans

      Attempts to revive him failed.

      It looks as if the negotiations are going to fail.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  failThesaurus entry for this meaning of fail
  2. 2
    [intransitive] to not do something that people expect you to do

    He failed to come home at the usual time.

    fail in your duty/obligation:

    The government is failing in its duty to protect people.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  failThesaurus entry for this meaning of fail
    1. a.
      [transitive] if someone fails you, they do not do what they promised or what you trusted them to do

      He felt he had failed his team-mates.

      The political system has failed us.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  failThesaurus entry for this meaning of fail
  3. 3
    [intransitive/transitive] to be unsuccessful in achieving a satisfactory level or standard

    The new plane failed a safety test.

    She failed all her exams.

    fail on:

    I failed on the written part of my driving test.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  failThesaurus entry for this meaning of fail
    1. a.
      [transitive] to decide that someone or something has not achieved a satisfactory score or standard

      Examiners failed nearly 30% of the candidates.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  failThesaurus entry for this meaning of fail
  5. 5
    [transitive] mainly literary if a quality or ability fails you, you suddenly lose it

    At the last minute, her courage failed her.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  failThesaurus entry for this meaning of fail

phrases

This is the British English definition of fail. View American English definition of fail.

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