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.

Lee recounts a rigmarole of joys and traumas—a trip to the circus, a bad breakup, a house fire—which all fail to leave much of an impression.

From Slate • Jun. 11, 2026

His attempts to strike out independently and build his own house fail spectacularly—the first in a storm of lightning and winged ants, the second in a foolhardy scheme to clear the surrounding brush with fire.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026

While these treatments have helped many patients, a significant number either fail to respond or eventually develop resistance.

From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026

"The policy of continuously strengthening the country's self-defensive nuclear deterrent, as set out by the nation's leader, is an irreversible course that must be implemented without fail," she added.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

Professor Treebaun walked in a moment later, looking decidedly grumpier than usual at being called in so early to monitor a test he’d watched me fail less than twenty-four hours ago.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

fail

Example Sentences

Related Words