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
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
He felt like he had failed his family.
natural