Entry Word: fail

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to stop functioning <my video camera failed just as I was about to shoot the big moment>

Synonyms break, break down, conk (out), crash, cut out, die, give out, stall

Related Words fizzle, sputter, wheeze; malfunction

Antonyms start (up)

2 to be unsuccessful <despite all the publicity, the movie failed miserably at the box office>

Synonyms collapse, flop, flunk, fold, wash out

Related Words flounder, struggle; decline, slip, slump, wane

Phrases fall flat

Near Antonyms flourish, prosper, thrive

Antonyms succeed

3 to fall short in satisfying the expectation or hope of <Boston Red Sox fans are pretty much used to having the team fail them> — see disappoint
4 to lose bodily strength or vigor <ever since she reached the age of 90, Grandma has been noticeably failing> — see weaken 2
5 to miss the opportunity or obligation <failed to mention that he had already been paid for the job by the homeownerʼs wife> — see neglect 3