Fail Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fail

[feɪl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

inability to succeed

Fail is the lack of success in achieving a goal or purpose. It is the opposite of success and can be a disappointing or frustrating experience. Failure can occur in various aspects of life, such as academics, work, relationships, and personal goals.

Synonyms

defeat, disappointment, fiasco, loss, setback.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fail	Used when something does not succeed or meet expectations. Usually, it refers to an unsuccessful attempt. She studied hard but still failed the exam The project failed due to a lack of funding
defeat	Commonly used in competitive settings such as sports, games, or battles, indicating that one party has been overcome by another. The team suffered a crushing defeat in the final game No one expected their defeat in the championship
loss	Used to indicate the fact of no longer having something or someone, can be used in financial, personal, or emotional contexts. The company reported a significant financial loss this quarter She felt a deep sense of loss after her dog passed away
setback	Describes a temporary delay or problem that hinders progress. It implies that the situation can be overcome with time or effort. They experienced a setback when their funding was cut, but they are still hopeful Despite the setback, he continued working towards his goal
fiasco	Implying a complete and humiliating failure, often chaotic or absurdly unsuccessful. It has a somewhat negative and dramatic connotation. The event turned into a fiasco when the keynote speaker didn't show up Their last product launch was a total fiasco
disappointment	Refers to feelings of sadness or displeasure when expectations are not met. It focuses more on the emotional response than the event itself. Her failure to get the promotion was a big disappointment There was a sense of disappointment when the concert was canceled

Examples of usage

I felt like a failure after not passing the exam.
She was afraid of failure, so she never took any risks.
Failure is just a stepping stone to success.
His repeated failures only motivated him to work harder.
Don't be afraid to fail, it's a part of the learning process.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

to be unsuccessful

To fail means to be unsuccessful in achieving a goal or fulfilling a responsibility. It can involve not meeting expectations, falling short of a standard, or simply not succeeding in a particular task.

Synonyms

come up short, fall short, miss the mark, not succeed, unsuccessful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fail	Use when something has not achieved its intended purpose, often with a sense of finality or setback. The project failed because of poor planning He failed the exam despite studying hard
unsuccessful	Use to describe a failed attempt, often formally or in written reports. The operation was unsuccessful and further treatment is needed All their attempts to contact him were unsuccessful
fall short	Use when something does not meet expectations or a set standard, often in a measurable way. The results fell short of our expectations Their performance fell short compared to last year
not succeed	Use when making a general statement about something not achieving its goal, often more formal or neutral. Despite all efforts, the experiment did not succeed The plan did not succeed due to unforeseen obstacles
miss the mark	Use when the intended target or goal is not hit, often in a figurative sense. The advertisement missed the mark with younger audiences His argument missed the mark and didn't convince anyone
come up short	Use when making a good effort but just not reaching the goal, often implying an attempt was made. The team came up short in the final minutes of the game She tried her best but came up short of the required score

Examples of usage

She failed the test because she didn't study.
If you don't try, you'll never fail.
He failed to meet the deadline for the project.
Don't be discouraged if you fail the first time.
Failing is okay as long as you learn from it.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Experiencing failure can be a powerful emotional trigger, leading to feelings of anxiety and inadequacy.
Research shows that how individuals perceive failure can drastically affect their motivation and future performance.
Embracing failure as a learning opportunity can enhance growth mindset, where individuals believe abilities can be developed.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'Fail Army' has become popular, showcasing humorous fails in various contexts on YouTube and social media.
'Fail' memes often circulate on the internet, highlighting everyday mistakes in funny ways.
Numerous films and TV shows, such as 'The Office,' use failure as a key humor element to show relatable human experiences.

Literature

Themes of failure are prevalent in classic literature, often portraying the downfall of tragic heroes, like in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth.'
Contemporary authors like J.K. Rowling have shared personal stories of failure, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.
Various motivational books suggest reframing failure as a stepping stone to success.

Education

In educational settings, failure is often seen as a part of the learning process and not something to be ashamed of.
Many educators encourage a 'fail forward' mentality, inspiring students to view setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Standardized testing often results in failures for students; re-evaluating how we measure success remains a hot topic in education reform.

Origin of 'fail'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'fallere,' which means to deceive or be untrue.
In Old French, 'faillit' meant to be unable to perform or do something.
The term evolved into the English language in the late Middle Ages, keeping its meaning related to not succeeding.

The word 'fail' originated from the Old French word 'faillir', meaning 'to be lacking or to fail'. It entered the English language in the 13th century. The concept of failure has been present throughout human history, with various interpretations and perceptions. Failure is often seen as a part of the learning process and can lead to personal growth and resilience.

See also: failing, failings, failure, failures.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,222, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2219 approaches
2220 manufacture
2221 attended
2222 fail
2223 tested
2224 household
2225 tone
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