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Definition fail in British English

fail verb

verb
/feɪl/

▪ abysmally, completely, dismally, miserably, narrowly

▪ attempt, bid, mission, plan

1

to be unsuccessful when you try to do something

Example

Most people who try to lose weight fail dismally.

Example

They have failed to come up with any practical solutions.

Example

He failed in his attempt to get compensation.

Synonyms and related words
go tits-up fail founder
1.1

used about actions or plans

Example

Attempts to revive him failed.

Example

It looks as if the negotiations are going to fail.

Synonyms and related words
go tits-up fail founder
2

to not do something that people expect you to do

Example

He failed to come home at the usual time.

Example

The government is failing in its duty to protect people.

Synonyms and related words
go tits-up fail founder
2.1

if someone fails you, they do not do what they promised or what you trusted them to do

Example

He felt he had failed his team-mates.

Example

The political system has failed us.

Synonyms and related words
break go back on renege
Example

She failed all her exams.

Example

The new plane failed a safety test.

Example

I failed on the written part of my driving test.

Synonyms and related words
go tits-up fail founder bomb dip out fail
3.1

to decide that someone or something has not achieved a satisfactory score or standard

Example

Examiners failed nearly 30% of the candidates.

Synonyms and related words
mark grade pass
4

if something such as a machine or an organ in your body fails, it no longer works correctly

Example

The brakes failed and the van crashed into a tree.

Synonyms and related words
break down go off shut off
4.1

if someone's health is failing, they are becoming weak and less able to do things

Synonyms and related words
suffer get contract
4.2

if something such as a business or a relationship fails, it has a lot of problems and can no longer continue

Example

If interest rates go up, more small businesses will fail.

Synonyms and related words
go tits-up fail founder close shut down wind up
4.3

if crops fail, they do not finish growing and cannot be used for food

Synonyms and related words
arable broadacre cash crop
4.4

if the rains fail, it does not rain during the usual season or time of the year

Synonyms and related words
drought dry the dry season
5

if a quality or ability fails you, you suddenly lose it

Example

At the last minute, her courage failed her.

Synonyms and related words
do without lose slip away
Definition fail in British English