- 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.
As electricity fails, so do water pumps, sewage treatment, heating systems, fuel stations and mobile phone and internet networks.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 22, 2026
The big risk for investors in autocallables, though, is a major drawdown in the reference assets that fails to recover back above the maturity barrier in a severe and prolonged bear market.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 18, 2026
When Sen. Alan Simpson quotes from “Othello” in defense of Thomas, he uses Shakespeare’s lyrical authority but fails to realize that he is in fact invoking the false words of the tragedy’s villain, Iago.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026
McNally said even if his appeal fails, Piddington’s protest will be a blueprint for how other communities can get their voices heard on the issue.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 16, 2026
“So if all else fails, we can find the North Pole.”
From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull
![]()