without fail

idiom

1
used to stress that something always happens
Every day, without fail, he has toast and coffee for breakfast.
2
used to stress that something will definitely happen
She promised that she would be there without fail.

Examples of without fail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Photos: Getty Images Every summer, without fail, a fan-favorite dress emerges; a dress becomes the dress. Christian Allaire, Vogue, 16 June 2025 With an early-rising 11-month-old, who, without fail, woke before our alarm buzzed each morning, sleep—let alone restful, continuous sleep—was a far-off dream. Alisha Prakash, Travel + Leisure, 14 June 2025 Nearly every year, almost without fail, NBA fans claim a conspiracy theory about the draft lottery. Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 13 May 2025 The heart can do so without fail (well, for a long time without fail) because it is composed of specialized muscle cells called cardiomyocytes that are highly resistant to fatigue. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2025 Then without fail, there are disappointments and surprises. Jim Bowden, New York Times, 14 May 2025 My mom washed her face every morning and night without fail and always wore sunscreen. Footwear News, 20 May 2025 If 133 sides have previously managed to protect a lead of three or more goals without fail, then Amorim’s side should really become the 134th. Mark Critchley, New York Times, 2 May 2025 Responsibility for communication was passed to Woodward who, people familiar with the situation say, spoke to Joel every single day, without fail, and sometimes more than once. Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 11 May 2025

Cite this Entry

“Without fail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/without%20fail. Accessed 29 Jun. 2025.

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