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Definitions

fail

[feyl] / feɪl /
VERB
be unsuccessful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
break down decline fall
STRONG
abort backslide blunder deteriorate fizzle flop flounder fold founder miscarry miss slip
WEAK
back wrong horse be defeated be demoted be found lacking be in vain be ruined come to naught come to nothing fall flat fall short fall through go astray go down go down swinging go downhill go up in smoke go wrong hit bottom hit the skids lose control lose out lose status meet with disaster miss the boat play into run aground turn out badly
Antonyms
STRONGEST
ascend go up rise
STRONG
accomplish achieve build correct develop do well succeed
WEAK
capture complete deliver earn finish gain merit obtain procure prosper reach win
VERB
abandon, forsake
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ignore neglect
STRONG
abort blink desert disappoint discount disregard fault forget funk miscarry omit overlook slight slip
WEAK
back out break one's word go astray let down overpass
Antonyms
STRONG
attend pay attention regard remember respect
WEAK
accomplish achieve capture complete deliver earn finish gain merit obtain procure prosper reach succeed win
VERB
lose money
Synonyms
STRONGEST
break close drop end finish
STRONG
crash defalcate default dishonor fold overdraw repudiate terminate
WEAK
be cleaned out be in arrears be ruined be taken to the cleaners become insolvent close down close one's doors drop a bundle go bankrupt go belly up go broke go bust go into Chapter 11 go out of business go to the wall go under go up lose big lose one's shirt
Antonyms
STRONGEST
begin commence continue start
WEAK
accomplish achieve capture complete deliver earn gain merit obtain procure prosper reach succeed win

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Woe unto those who fail to entertain, animate or amuse.

From Los Angeles Times • May 10, 2026

Their work shows that these interfaces may ultimately determine whether future chip technologies succeed or fail.

From Science Daily • May 9, 2026

"I fail to understand why anybody... is serving people at five or six o’clock in the morning," he told the paper.

From Barron's • May 6, 2026

According to the WTA rulebook, players have to fulfil media duties on site even if they withdraw - and can be fined if they fail to do so.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

“Her predictions fail when the choices we make leave the Universe with none. But how do I do that? How do I leave the Universe with no choice?”

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman