OpenSynonym

fail

/feɪl/

VERB

1. Being unsuccessful

To be unable to achieve a desired goal, complete an attempt, or produce the intended result.

1.1. Not achieving a goal or objective

Describes an unsuccessful attempt to accomplish something or reach a particular objective.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • Despite months of preparation, the team failed to achieve its main objective.

Related Words

1.2. Making mistakes or handling something poorly

Describes performing an action incorrectly or managing a task so badly that it produces an unsuccessful result.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • He failed to handle the negotiations effectively.

Related Words

  • error
  • mistake
  • mismanagement
  • misjudgment

VERB

2. Not doing something or neglecting a duty

To omit, neglect, or be unable to perform an expected action, responsibility, or obligation.

2.1. Omitting an expected action

Describes not carrying out something that should have been done, either intentionally or unintentionally.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • The assistant failed to include the latest figures in the report.

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2.2. Failing to fulfill an obligation

Describes not meeting a responsibility, promise, commitment, or duty owed to another person.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The company failed to fulfill its contractual obligations.

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2.3. Being unable to understand or recognize something

Describes being unable to perceive, understand, notice, or remember something despite an expectation or opportunity to do so.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • I fail to understand why the proposal was rejected.

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VERB

3. Stopping working or functioning

To stop operating properly, become damaged, or cease to perform an expected function.

3.1. Mechanical or technical malfunction

Describes a machine, device, system, or component that stops working correctly or becomes unable to perform its intended function.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The engine failed halfway through the journey.

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3.2. Losing strength or ability

Describes a person's physical strength, memory, eyesight, or another ability gradually becoming weaker or ceasing to work.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • His eyesight began to fail as he grew older.

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VERB

4. Falling short of a required standard

To perform below an expected level or fail to meet a particular requirement, standard, or criterion.

4.1. Failing an examination or assessment

Describes receiving an unsuccessful result because the required passing standard in an examination, course, or assessment was not achieved.

Synonyms

  • flunk
  • bomb
  • fail an exam

Antonyms

Examples

  • She studied hard but failed the final examination.

Related Words

  • underperform
  • fail a test
  • poor grade

4.2. Being judged unacceptable

Describes rejecting or giving an unsuccessful evaluation to a person, submission, product, or performance because it does not meet the required standard.

Synonyms

  • reject
  • flunk
  • disqualify

Antonyms

Examples

  • The examiner failed three candidates who did not meet the minimum requirements.

Related Words

VERB

5. Becoming insufficient or running out

To become inadequate, unavailable, or unable to provide what is needed or expected.

5.1. Resources or supplies becoming insufficient

Describes a supply, resource, or available quantity becoming inadequate or being exhausted before it can meet a need.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • suffice
  • provide
  • supply
  • replenish

Examples

  • The water supply failed during the prolonged drought.

Related Words

5.2. Being unable to provide necessary support

Describes something that does not provide enough strength, assistance, or support to meet a particular need.

Synonyms

  • prove insufficient
  • fall short
  • be inadequate
  • be deficient

Antonyms

Examples

  • The evidence failed to provide sufficient support for the claim.

Related Words

VERB

6. Declining or deteriorating

To become progressively worse, weaker, or less effective in condition, quality, or performance.

6.1. Deteriorating in condition or quality

Describes a situation, condition, or quality gradually becoming worse or losing its previous standard.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The patient's condition continued to fail despite the treatment.

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VERB

7. Becoming financially insolvent

To become unable to pay debts or meet financial obligations, often resulting in bankruptcy or business closure.

7.1. Business bankruptcy or financial collapse

Describes a company, bank, or business becoming financially unable to meet its obligations and potentially ceasing operations.

Synonyms

  • go bankrupt
  • become insolvent
  • collapse
  • go bust

Antonyms

  • prosper
  • succeed
  • remain solvent

Examples

  • Several small businesses failed during the economic downturn.

Related Words

VERB

8. Failing to appear or arrive

To be absent or not arrive when expected or required.

8.1. Not appearing at an expected time

Describes someone or something not arriving or appearing when expected, scheduled, or required.

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Antonyms

Examples

  • He failed to appear at the scheduled court hearing.

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NOUN

9. A failure or omission

An instance of failing to perform an expected action or fulfill an obligation, especially in the expression without fail.

9.1. Omission or neglect

Refers to the failure to carry out an expected action or the omission of something that should have been done.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The instructions must be followed without fail.

Related Words