Definition of Fail
The verb “fail” primarily means to be unsuccessful in achieving a goal or to fall short of expectations. It can also refer to the act of ceasing to function properly, breaking down, or not meeting required standards. As a noun, “fail” denotes an act of failure or an unsuccessful attempt.
Synonyms for Fail
Strongest Matches:
- Flounder
- Collapse
- Falter
- Breakdown
- Misfire
- Crumble
- Disintegrate
- Fall short
- Fizzle out
- Lose
Strong Matches:
- Decline
- Deteriorate
- Stumble
- Undermine
- Backfire
- Malfunction
- Miss
- Blunder
- Ruin
- Foundering
Weak Matches:
- Slip
- Trip
- Waver
- Delay
- Hesitate
- Overlook
- Lapse
- Err
- Miscalculate
- Skimp
Example Sentences Using “Fail”
- Despite her best efforts, she failed to secure the promotion.
- The experiment failed due to a lack of sufficient data.
- If the power supply fails, the entire system will shut down.
- He failed to understand the significance of the warning.
- The bridge failed under extreme pressure, leading to a collapse.
Contextual Usage
- Academic Context: “He failed the exam because he didn’t study enough.”
- Business Context: “The startup failed due to poor financial management.”
- Technology Context: “The system failed to load the necessary files.”
- Personal Development Context: “Failure is a stepping stone to success.”
- Medical Context: “His kidneys began to fail, necessitating an immediate transplant.”
Related Words and Phrases
- Failure – The state of not meeting a desired outcome.
- Fail-safe – A mechanism that prevents failure or minimizes its impact.
- Failure rate – The frequency at which a system or component fails.
- Epic fail – A slang term for a significant or humorous failure.
- Failing grade – A score that does not meet the required standard.
Additional Relevant Information
The word “fail” carries strong emotional connotations, especially in academic and professional settings. It can demotivate individuals but also serve as a learning experience. The term has been widely used in pop culture, social media (e.g., “fail videos” showcasing humorous mishaps), and motivational discourse (e.g., “Fail forward”).
Common Misconceptions
- “Fail” does not always mean total collapse: Partial failure or setbacks can still lead to eventual success.
- “Failing” doesn’t mean incompetence: Everyone experiences failure, and it often leads to growth.
- Failure is not always negative: Many innovations have arisen from failed attempts.
Disclaimer
This page is intended for informational and linguistic purposes only. The definitions and synonyms provided are based on standard English usage and may vary depending on context. If you require professional guidance regarding failure in academic, professional, or personal settings, please seek appropriate expert advice.
