fail

//feɪl//
A2Frequency Level 4Neutral
Visual representation of fail

Verb

failInfinitive
failPresent tense
failedPast tense
failedPast participle
failingPresent participle
failsThird-person singular
1

to be unsuccessful in achieving a goal or passing a test

She failed her driving test twice.

2

to not do something that is expected or required

He failed to report the accident to the police.

3

to stop working or functioning properly

The brakes failed and caused an accident.

4

to become weak or insufficient

His eyesight began to fail as he grew older.

5

to judge that a student has not passed a test or course

The teacher failed three students in the final exam.

Noun

1

an instance of not succeeding or not passing a test

She was disappointed by her fail on the driving test.