Definition
to fail: to not succeed; to forget to do, to neglect to do something
Note the most common constructions of the verb "to fail": "to fail + object (I failed my math test)"; "to fail + to + infinitive verb (He failed to warn me about the hurricane)"; 'to fail + in/at + ING verb (I failed in negotiating the contract).
I failed my exams miserably. My score was only 12%.
He failed to convince me. He tried to convince me but didn't succeed.
She failed in resolving the problem. She tried to resolve it but couldn't.
to fail someone: to disappoint someone, to not do what was promised to or required for someone
a failure: a defeat, a loss, a lack of success
Kalvin Krime's latest perfume is a major failure. It isn't a success at all.
- "A recent survey carried out at Kingston University has shown that an alarming 56% of managers who conduct interviews fail to recognize what constitutes an improper interview question."
- "Brian : I demand recompense... Take a new companion... Fail in this mission, and my wrath will be swift and brutal... Aaah!"
- "plots and conspiracies, failed assassination attempts, 10 most wanted cats in Sweden."
- "Definition: a written or spoken expression of one's regret, remorse, or sorrow for having insulted, failed, injured, or wronged another."
- "Fail in this mission, and my wrath will be swift and brutal."
- "Failed ladies' man with a troubled childhood"
- "I was a no-good cowboy with a failed department store and a ton of debt."
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