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fail

fail

 
 
pronunciation:
feIl
parts of speech:
intransitive verb, transitive verb, noun
phrases:
without fail
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: fails, failing, failed
definition 1: to be or become ineffective or unsuccessful; be lacking in an effort or attempt.
The mayor failed at the task of revitalizing the downtown area.She failed in her efforts to raise funds for the project.
synonyms:
miscarry
antonyms:
prosper, succeed, triumph, work
similar words:
bite the dust, collapse, come a cropper, fizzle, flop, go down, miss
definition 2: to lose endurance or strength; decline.
The runner's strength began to fail after the fifteenth mile.His health began to fail rapidly after his wife died.
synonyms:
decline, languish, sink
similar words:
decay, deteriorate, droop, dwindle, ebb, fade, lag, pine, trail, wane, weaken
definition 3: to stop operating.
The machines failed, and production came to an abrupt stop.The doctor said that any large effort could cause her heart to fail.
synonyms:
break down, die
similar words:
blow, break, collapse, falter, go, stall
definition 4: to receive any grade below passing in a test or course.
If you don't study, you could fail.
synonyms:
flunk
similar words:
bomb
definition 5: of a business, to become unable to make enough money to continue operating and to pay off debts; become insolvent.
The restaurant failed after only six months in business.
 
part of speech: transitive verb
definition 1: to be unsuccessful in meeting the expectations of; disappoint.
He failed his friends by stealing their money to support his drug habit.He promised his daughter he would attend her graduation, but he failed her again.
synonyms:
disappoint
antonyms:
achieve
similar words:
desert, forsake, let down
definition 2: to receive a grade below passing in (a test or course).
Sue failed her driving test.
synonyms:
flunk
antonyms:
pass
similar words:
blow
definition 3: to give (someone) a grade below passing.
No teacher likes to fail a student.
synonyms:
flunk
definition 4: to neglect or omit to do something important or required.
After he failed to pay the bill, the electric company turned off his power.[verb + infinitive ] The injury occurred because the worker failed to follow the safety instructions.[verb + infinitive ]
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part of speech: noun
definition: in commerce, a failure to deliver securities on time, or to receive proceeds from a transaction.
similar words:
failure
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phrase: without fail
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  health, school