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Definitions

failed

[feyld] / feɪld /
ADJECTIVE
abortive
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fruitless futile unsuccessful
WEAK
failing ineffective ineffectual miscarried unavailing unproductive useless vain worthless
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fruitful productive profitable
WEAK
complete consummated effectual efficient successful
ADJECTIVE
bankrupt
Synonyms
STRONGEST
broke destitute insolvent
STRONG
depleted exhausted impoverished lacking lost ruined spent
WEAK
in Chapter 11 out of business tapped out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
rich solvent wealthy
STRONG
restored saved successful unused
ADJECTIVE
insolvent
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bankrupt broke indebted strapped
STRONG
lost
WEAK
broken busted foreclosed in Chapter 11 in Chapter 13 in receivership in the red on the rocks out of money taken to the cleaners unbalanced undone wiped-out
Antonyms
STRONGEST
rich solvent wealthy
WEAK
moneyed
ADJECTIVE
unsuccessful
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abortive disastrous doomed foiled fruitless futile ill-fated ineffective ineffectual losing thwarted useless vain
WEAK
defeated unlucky
Antonyms
STRONGEST
effective effectual fruitful hopeful lucky productive profitable successful useful

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.

Despite Bondi’s best efforts to appease Trump, she ultimately failed to lock in her status within his Cabinet.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026

Notre Dame twice had bases-loaded situations but failed to take advantage, including hitting into a double play in the bottom of the sixth.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

Novo suffered a setback in February when its experimental obesity shot, CagriSema, failed to outperform Lilly’s tirzepatide in a study.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

If the YouTube interview was the turning point, the next big moment came on 15 March 2024, a national holiday marking the anniversary of Hungary's failed revolution in 1848.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

“Our pack failed once, and you saw what happened. Don’t fail the pack now by choice.”

From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.