to fail
fail
feɪl
feil
frailflail

Definition & Meaning of "fail"in English

to fail
01

to be unsuccessful in accomplishing something 

Intransitive
to fail definition and meaning
Grammatical Information
Composition
Simple
Action verb
Regular
Present tense
fail
3rd person singular
fails
Present participle
failing
Past simple
failed
Past participle
failed
Examples
Despite their best efforts, the plan failed. 
02

to be unsuccessful in an examination or course 

Transitive: to fail an examination or course
to fail definition and meaning
Examples
Despite studying hard, he failed the math test. 
03

to not carry out or fulfill an expected action or responsibility 

Transitive: to fail to do sth
Examples
She failed to call her friend as promised, leaving him disappointed. 
04

to disappoint or abandon someone by not meeting their expectations or providing support 

Transitive: to fail sb
Examples
She promised to help but failed her team when the pressure mounted. 
05

to stop functioning correctly or completely break down 

Intransitive
Examples
The old car failed on the highway, leaving them stranded. 
06

to be unable to do something or achieve a desired outcome 

Transitive: to fail to do sth
Examples
She failed to finish the book in time for the discussion. 
07

to lose strength or quality over time, becoming less effective or reliable 

Intransitive
Examples
Her eyesight began to fail as she grew older. 
08

to be inadequate or unavailable when needed or expected 

Intransitive
Examples
When the wheat crop failed, the village faced a severe food shortage. 
09

to stop operating or trading due to financial bankruptcy 

Intransitive
Examples
The company failed after months of declining sales and mounting debts. 
10

to determine that someone has not met the required standard in an examination or test 

Transitive: to fail a candidate or examinee
Examples
The instructor failed half the class for not meeting the minimum requirements. 
11

to not succeed in reaching a desired objective or goal 

Intransitive: to fail in an effort
Examples
The team failed in their quest for the championship after a narrow defeat. 
Fail
01

a mistake or unsuccessful act 

Grammatical Information
Animacy status
Abstract
Composition
Compound
Countable
Plural form
fails
Examples
The launch of the new product was a major fail due to poor marketing. 
02

a grade below the passing standard, indicating insufficient performance or mastery of the subject matter 

What is a "fail"?

A fail refers to a grade given when a student’s performance does not meet the minimum required standards to pass. It indicates that the student has not demonstrated enough understanding or mastery of the subject matter. A failing grade suggests that the student needs to improve their knowledge, skills, or effort in order to meet the expectations of the course or exam.

Examples
She received a fail in her final biology exam despite her efforts. 
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