fail

To be unsuccessful in doing or achieving something.

Etymology

From Middle English failen, from Old French falir, ultimately from Latin fallere, meaning “to deceive, disappoint, or be lacking.”

Collocations

To not pass a test, examination, course, or inspection.

Etymology

From Middle English failen, from Old French falir, ultimately from Latin fallere, meaning “to deceive, disappoint, or be lacking.”

Collocations

To stop working properly or to break down.

Etymology

From Middle English failen, from Old French falir, ultimately from Latin fallere, meaning “to deceive, disappoint, or be lacking.”

Collocations

To neglect, omit, or be unable to do something expected or required; also, to disappoint someone by not giving support.

Etymology

From Middle English failen, from Old French falir, ultimately from Latin fallere, meaning “to deceive, disappoint, or be lacking.”

Collocations

To become weaker, less effective, or insufficient.

Etymology

From Middle English failen, from Old French falir, ultimately from Latin fallere, meaning “to deceive, disappoint, or be lacking.”

Collocations

An instance of failure, especially an embarrassing or obvious one.

Etymology

From the verb fail; the modern noun use became especially common in informal internet and media language.

Collocations