adj
Very common
failed
fayld
Failed (adj) means not successful; having ended in failure. Example: “After a failed search for his keys, he finally rang a locksmith.”
adj
1
Not successful; having ended in failure.
"After a failed search for his keys, he finally rang a locksmith."
"It was his third failed attempt at the exam."
"The company emerged from a failed merger deal."
How to use failed
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes something that did not succeed.
Common pairings
failed attempt
failed marriage
failed state
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Rhymes for failed
See all rhymes for failed →Frequently asked questions
What does “failed” mean?
The word “failed” means not successful; having ended in failure. In plain terms, describes something that did not succeed.
How do you pronounce “failed”?
“Failed” is pronounced fayld (/feɪld/ in IPA).
How do you use “failed” in a sentence?
Here is “failed” used in a sentence: “It was his third failed attempt at the exam.”
What part of speech is “failed”?
“Failed” is an adjective.
Is “failed” a common word?
“Failed” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between failed and failing?
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.
What is the difference between failed and unsuccessful?
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.
What is the opposite of failed?
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.
What is an example of failed used in a sentence?
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.
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