Fail Meaning in English
word
/ˈfeɪɫ/
fayl
/fˈeɪl/
fayl
Definition
To not succeed in doing something, achieving a goal, or meeting a standard. It can also mean that a machine or system stops working, or that someone does not pass a test or course.
Usage & Nuances
Common in many contexts: 'fail an exam', 'fail to notice', 'the engine failed', 'fail someone' (judge them unsuccessful). 'Fail' is stronger and more final than 'not succeed'. In everyday speech, 'failed' can also be a noun-like adjective in jokes online, as in 'epic fail'.
Spanish: fallar - fracasar - suspender (un examen)Portuguese (BR): falhar - fracassar - reprovar (em prova)Portuguese (PT): falhar - fracassar - chumbar (em exame)Chinese (Simplified): 失败 - 失灵 - 不及格Chinese (Traditional): 失敗 - 失靈 - 不及格Hindi: असफल होना - विफल होना - फेल होना (परीक्षा में)Arabic: يفشل - يتعطل - يرسب (في امتحان)Bengali: অসফল হওয়া - ব্যর্থ হওয়াRussian: потерпеть неудачу - провалиться - не справитьсяJapanese: 失敗するVietnamese: thất bại - không thành côngKorean: 실패하다Turkish: başarısız olmak - yapmakta başarısız olmakUrdu: ناکام ہونا - فیل ہوناIndonesian: gagal
Example Sentences
I don't want to fail the test.
basic
The plan may fail if we start too late.
basic
He felt like he had failed his family.
natural
Sometimes old phones fail without warning.
basic
I completely failed to see why she was upset.
natural
If this backup system fails, we're in trouble.
natural