pass-fail

adjective

ˈpas-ˈfāl 

: being a system of grading whereby the grades "pass" and "fail" replace the traditional letter grades

pass-fail noun

Examples of pass-fail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It was graded pass-fail, an unusual choice in HKU’s tradition. — Bryan Penprase, Forbes.com, 3 May 2026

The regime also requires students to write a pass-fail thesis called the Capstone, and defend it before a jury of professors. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 2 May 2026

Where adult data goes In many implementations, verification vendors — not the websites themselves — process and retain the identity information, returning only a pass-fail signal to the platform. — Barbara Booth, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2026

The test is scored on a pass-fail basis. — Luis Martinez, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025

Review status and pass-fail decisions are typically visible on developer accounts. — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 14 May 2025

Might Poles become the next Halas Hall leader to be called to the front of the room for a pass-fail performance review? — Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 9 Dec. 2024

On Sunday, undergraduate college officials announced students can avoid letter grades on their transcript and select a pass-fail option for up to two classes this semester. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 6 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pass-fail

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email