Synonyms of fail

fail

verb

ˈfāl 

1

as in to die

to stop functioning

my car failed just as I was about to head to work

Synonyms & Similar Words

• die
• crash
• stall
• break
• cut out
• give out
• break down
• sputter
• conk (out)
• fizzle
• malfunction
• act up
• jam
• wheeze

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• start (up)

2

as in to collapse

to be unsuccessful

despite all the publicity, the movie failed miserably at the box office

Synonyms & Similar Words

• collapse
• miss
• flop
• struggle
• fold
• flunk
• bomb
• strike out
• fall short
• tank
• come up empty
• fall flat
• decline
• come to grief
• flame out
• wash out
• lay an egg
• die on the vine
• founder
• crash
• come a cropper
• slip
• crumble
• crater
• flounder
• fall on one's face
• wane
• sink
• slump
• miscarry
• implode
• skid
• misfire
• go under
• self-destruct

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• succeed
• go
• deliver
• click
• work out
• go over
• come off
• thrive
• prosper
• flourish
• cook
• win
• prevail
• pan out
• triumph

3

as in to disappoint

to fall short in satisfying the expectation or hope of

although the minor-league franchise continues to fail local fans, hope springs eternal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• disappoint
• let down
• cheat
• displease
• upset
• dissatisfy
• distress
• bum (out)
• deceive
• disillusion
• delude
• disenchant
• mock
• discontent
• chagrin
• disgruntle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• satisfy
• fulfill
• gratify
• content
• gladden

4

as in to weaken

to lose bodily strength or vigor

ever since she reached the age of 90, Grandma has been noticeably failing

Synonyms & Similar Words

• weaken
• fade
• go
• sag
• sink
• deteriorate
• wilt
• languish
• droop
• wither
• decay
• waste (away)
• lag
• flag
• emaciate
• wear out
• yield
• break down
• rot
• degenerate
• run down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• recover
• rally
• recuperate
• rebound
• gain
• convalesce

5

as in to forget

to miss the opportunity or obligation

failed to mention that he was looking for new job

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forget
• neglect
• omit
• ignore
• miss out on
• disregard
• pass over
• overlook
• skip
• slight
• slide
• pretermit
• default
• slip
• overpass

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• remember
• do
• keep
• observe
• mind
• perform
• execute
• meet
• carry out
• heed
• practice
• satisfy
• fulfill
• comply (with)
• discharge

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of fail

Phillies reliever Zach Pop failed his team’s first challenge in the eighth inning against Texas’ Brandon Nimmo. —Joe Reedy, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026

Since the contract ended, documents show OVG has sought $5 million in damages from Dallas, saying the city improperly ended the agreement, refused to pay invoices for work performed before the termination and failed to reimburse certain expenses and investments. —Aria Jones, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026

Tensions were heightened recently when the General Synod failed to agree on reforms related to same-sex unions, leaving one of the most delicate debates for the institution’s future unresolved. —Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 27 Mar. 2026

About 18,000 gallons of sewage spilled near the intersection of Friars Road and Sea World Drive after a valve at a pump station failed, officials reported the morning of March 25. —Point Loma-Ob Monthly, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026