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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.

Failed breakdowns can be powerful fuel for upside moves, particularly when they occur after extended declines.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

The name is an acronym, explained on the opening page: Failed In London Try Hong Kong.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

"Failed restructuring plans and broken promises from the company have become a familiar, demoralising pattern, and things simply can't go on as they are," he added.

From BBC • May 20, 2025

In the years to come, we’ll all remember the 2024 Super Bowl as The Year the Celebrity Ad Formula Failed.

From Slate • Feb. 12, 2024

A Failed Expedition When news from Parthia at last reached Cleopatra, it was not good.

From "Sterling Biographies®: Cleopatra: Egypt's Last and Greatest Queen" by Susan Blackaby