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fail
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- pronunciation:
- feIl
- features:
- Word Explorer
| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
fails, failing, failed |
| definition 1: |
When you fail, you try to do something but you are not able to do it. You are not successful in your effort or attempt.
Megan wanted to pass her swimming test, but she failed to swim fast enough.The company failed in its effort to expand its business.- antonyms:
- prosper, succeed, triumph, work
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| definition 2: |
When something fails, it loses its force or strength.
My strength failed in the middle of the race.When our grandmother's health began to fail, she moved in with our family.- synonyms:
- decline
- similar words:
- decay, deteriorate, droop, fade, wane, weaken
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| definition 3: |
When something like an engine or machine fails, it stops working.
When the car engine failed, Dale's father had to walk to work.- synonyms:
- break down, die
- similar words:
- blow, break, stall
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| definition 4: |
If you fail to do something, you don't do something that you were supposed to do. Often, when you fail to do a thing, something bad happens.
Jacob failed to give his math homework to his teacher on time, so she lowered his grade.If you fail to follow the safety instructions for this machine, you could get hurt. |
| definition 5: |
When you fail a test, you don't pass the test. You get a very low grade on the test.
Last week, I failed the spelling test, but my teacher let me take it again after I made corrections on it.- antonyms:
- pass
- similar words:
- blow
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| definition 6: |
When you fail someone, you disappoint them or do not do something they expected you to do.
Dan felt like he failed his team when they lost the game. He thought it was all his fault.- synonyms:
- disappoint
- antonyms:
- achieve
- similar words:
- desert
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| definition 7: |
When a teacher fails someone, it means that he or she gives them a grade below passing.
The teacher did not want to fail any of his students, so he offered them extra help after class. |
| related words: |
fold, give, slip |
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