- present tense form of fail (3rd person singular).
fails
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.
Why so much carbon fails to make it into the deep ocean has long puzzled scientists.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 9, 2026
The mistaken romanticization of mental illness has helped produce a culture that fails to help those most in need of treatment.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 3, 2026
The problem surrounds what happens next - when the system fails and control of the line shifts to manual.
From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026
If the more collaborative approach falters and a water agency fails to meet commitments, regulators still have the option of putting it back under the traditional regulations.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026
An army that fails to take the offensive in time might be destroyed before it can complete its preparations.
From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman
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