Search results for 'fail':

fail verb (failed, failing) 1 tr & intr (often fail in something) not to succeed; to be unsuccessful in (an undertaking). 2 to judge (a candidate) not good enough to pass a test, etc. 3 intrans said of machinery, a bodily organ, etc: to stop working or functioning. 4 intrans not to manage (to do something) • failed to pay the bill in time. 5 not to bother (doing something). 6 to let (someone) down; to disappoint. 7 said of courage, strength, etc: to desert (one) at the time of need. 8 intrans to become gradually weaker. 9 intrans said of a business, etc: to collapse; to become insolvent or bankrupt. noun a failure, especially in an exam. fail to see to be unable to understand. without fail for certain; with complete regularity and reliability.
ETYMOLOGY: 13c: from Latin fallere to deceive or disappoint.