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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.

Such errors have led to the faulty identification of “longevity zones,” areas where supposedly everyone lives longer due to lifestyle or location—but where subsequent studies fail to substantiate the claims.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden has seeds for all of the rare plants in the burn area, a sort of fail safe if they need help recovering.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

The sun was starting to dip lower, and it was at this point that the Florsheims really began to fail me.

From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026

The proposals were expected to fail due to insiders, including CEO Alex Karp, holding 49.99% of Palantir’s voting power.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

How could he fail to recognize the actor’s familiar, thick black hair, pale complexion, trademark mustache, and striking good looks?

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson

fail

Example Sentences

Related Words