fail

The word “fail” means to be unsuccessful in achieving something. In plain terms, to not succeed at something, or to stop functioning as expected.

“Fail” is pronounced fayl (/feɪl/ in IPA).

Here is “fail” used in a sentence: “He failed his driving test twice before passing.”

The opposite of “fail” — its antonyms — is succeed.

Depending on how it is used, “fail” can be a verb and a noun.

The word “fail” comes from Latin. From Old French falir, ultimately from Latin fallere, "to deceive or disappoint.".

“Fail” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Fail” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to be unsuccessful in achieving something.

To fail is to fall short of a goal or standard — you fail a test or fail to arrive on time. To lose is to be beaten in a contest or to no longer have something. You can lose a game without failing at anything, and fail privately with no opponent involved.

The main opposite is "succeed" — to achieve what you set out to do. Related positives include "pass" (for a test or inspection), "accomplish," and "achieve." Which fits depends on context: you pass an exam, succeed in a plan, or accomplish a task you once failed.

Often, yes. While failing means not achieving a goal, it frequently exposes what went wrong and points towards improvement. Many skills, inventions, and businesses advance through repeated failure and correction. The outcome is unwelcome in the moment, but treated as feedback, failing can be a valuable step towards eventual success.