Main Entry: ¹fail

Pronunciation: \ˈfāl\

Function: verb

Etymology: Middle English failen, from Anglo-French faillir, from Vulgar Latin *fallire, alteration of Latin fallere to deceive, disappoint

Date: 13th century

intransitive verb 1 a : to lose strength : weaken <her health was failing> b : to fade or die away <until our family line fails> c : to stop functioning normally <the patient's heart failed>
2 a : to fall short <failed in his duty> b : to be or become absent or inadequate <the water supply failed> c : to be unsuccessful <the marriage failed>; specifically : to be unsuccessful in achieving a passing grade <took the exam and failed> d : to become bankrupt or insolventtransitive verb 1 a : to disappoint the expectations or trust of <her friends failed her> b : to miss performing an expected service or function for <his wit failed him>
2 : to be deficient in : lack <never failed an invincible courage — Douglas MacArthur>
3 : to leave undone : neglect <fail to lock the door>
4 a : to be unsuccessful in passing <failed chemistry> b : to grade (as a student) as not passing

— fail·ing·ly \ˈfā-liŋ-lē\ adverb