Synonyms for fail
- break down
- decline
- fall
- abort
- backslide
- blunder
- deteriorate
- fizzle
- flop
- flounder
- fold
- founder
- miscarry
- miss
- slip
- back wrong horse
- be defeated
- be demoted
- be found lacking
- be in vain
- be ruined
- come to naught
- come to nothing
- fall flat
- fall short
- fall through
- go astray
- go down
- go down swinging
- go downhill
- go up in smoke
- go wrong
- hit bottom
- hit the skids
- lose control
- lose out
- lose status
- meet with disaster
- miss the boat
- play into
- run aground
- turn out badly
Antonyms for fail
- ascend
- go up
- rise
- accomplish
- achieve
- build
- correct
- develop
- do well
- succeed
- capture
- complete
- deliver
- earn
- finish
- gain
- merit
- obtain
- procure
- prosper
- reach
- win
EXAMPLES FROM THE WEB FOR FAIL
To my mind, under the conditions I have referred to, such could not fail to be the case.
If we fail, there must be a retreat westwards at least seventy miles.
God helping me, I will not fail them, if they will but counsel and sustain me!
If an increase of power was needed to secure this, they would not fail to ask it.
He touched her hand with his lips and said gravely: "I will not fail your trust."
It is expressed in conduct, of course; but conduct may fail while the attitude can remain constant.
Being part of the system of Mammon it could do nothing else than fail.
Since we cannot reach thousands, shall we fail to reach one?
What man would be so caitiff and thrall as to fail you at your need?
The Athenian generals did not fail to take advantage of this negligence.
WORD ORIGIN
early 13c., from Old French falir (11c., Modern French faillir) "be lacking, miss, not succeed," from Vulgar Latin *fallire, from Latin fallere "to trip, cause to fall;" figuratively "to deceive, trick, dupe, cheat, elude; fail, be lacking or defective." Related: Failed; failing. Replaced Old English abreoðan.