failed

The word “failed” means not successful; having ended in failure. In plain terms, describes something that did not succeed.

“Failed” is pronounced fayld (/feɪld/ in IPA).

Here is “failed” used in a sentence: “It was his third failed attempt at the exam.”

“Failed” is an adjective.

“Failed” is a very common word in modern English.

Failed describes something that has already ended without success — a failed attempt is over and done. Failing describes something still in the process of going wrong but not yet finished, like a failing business that might still recover. The key difference is timing: failed looks back, while failing describes an ongoing decline.

Both mean not successful, but failed is stronger and more final — it suggests a complete collapse or definite end, as in a failed business. Unsuccessful is milder and can describe a single attempt without implying total ruin, like an unsuccessful application. Failed carries more weight and finality than unsuccessful.

The opposite of failed is successful, which describes something that achieved its intended aim. Other antonyms include triumphant, thriving, and accomplished, depending on context. A failed venture collapsed short of its goal, while a successful one reached it. The pairing is common in business, exams, and personal goals judged as pass or fail.

You might say 'the failed experiment taught them what not to do,' or speak of a failed marriage, a failed coup, or a failed startup. In each case, failed marks something that ended in failure rather than achieving its purpose. It works as an adjective placed directly before the noun it describes.