English Profile

fail · verb

/feɪl/Full view

Word family

Nouns: failure

Adjectives: failed, failing, unfailing

Verbs: fail

Adverbs: unfailingly

fail (EXAM)

A2 I or T to not pass a test or exam

Dictionary examples:

A lot of people fail their driving test the first time.

If she doesn't study she'll fail all her exams.

"How was your chemistry exam?" "Awful! I think I failed."

Learner example:

I was told most people fail the exam two or three times. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Korean)

fail to do sth

B2 to not do what is necessary or expected

Dictionary examples:

He failed to turn up for football practice yesterday.

He failed to mention that we wouldn't be paid for the work.

Learner example:

Your advertisement also failed to mention the fact that there w[ere] no discounts. (First Certificate in English; B2; Swedish)

fail (NOT SUCCEED)

B2 I to not be successful

Dictionary examples:

She moved to London in the hope of finding work as a model, but failed.

He failed in his attempt to break the record.

This method of growing tomatoes never fails.

Learner example:

I tried to make him give up, but all my attempts failed. (First Certificate in English; B2; Italian)

fail (STOP WORKING)

B2 I to stop working normally, or to become weaker

Dictionary example:

Two of the plane's engines had failed.

Learner example:

The sound system failed. (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

I fail to see/understand

C2 used to say that you do not accept something

Dictionary example:

I fail to see why you cannot work on a Sunday.

Learner example:

I fail to understand why they still refuse to use this media; it could possibly be the main solution to the present problems [in] the library. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)