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Showing results for fail. Search instead for fanl.
Definitions

fail

[feyl] / feɪl /
VERB
be unsuccessful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
break down decline fall
STRONG
abort backslide blunder deteriorate fizzle flop flounder fold founder miscarry miss slip
WEAK
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
STRONGEST
ascend go up rise
STRONG
accomplish achieve build correct develop do well succeed
WEAK
capture complete deliver earn finish gain merit obtain procure prosper reach win
VERB
abandon, forsake
Synonyms
STRONGEST
ignore neglect
STRONG
abort blink desert disappoint discount disregard fault forget funk miscarry omit overlook slight slip
WEAK
back out break one's word go astray let down overpass
Antonyms
STRONG
attend pay attention regard remember respect
WEAK
accomplish achieve capture complete deliver earn finish gain merit obtain procure prosper reach succeed win
VERB
lose money
Synonyms
STRONGEST
break close drop end finish
STRONG
crash defalcate default dishonor fold overdraw repudiate terminate
WEAK
be cleaned out be in arrears be ruined be taken to the cleaners become insolvent close down close one's doors drop a bundle go bankrupt go belly up go broke go bust go into Chapter 11 go out of business go to the wall go under go up lose big lose one's shirt
Antonyms
STRONGEST
begin commence continue start
WEAK
accomplish achieve capture complete deliver earn gain merit obtain procure prosper reach succeed win

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There’s a risk that even auditors will fail to accurately assess a fund’s value or are late to appraise changes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Food systems need trained staff who can step in when systems fail, along with regular drills to ensure those skills are maintained.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

Each year, up to 35% of students fail the screening, meaning they likely have a vision problem.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Should they fail to beat the drop, it would go down as one of the league's most remarkable relegations.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

“I am heartbroken and ashamed to fail her on such an important occasion, but alas! Circumstances have conspired against me, just as they did on that long-ago day in the milk bath....”

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood