fail
Translation
to fail, to be unsuccessful, to neglect
Examples
He failed the exam.
He failed the exam.
She failed to arrive on time.
She failed to arrive on time.
The brakes on the car failed.
The brakes on the car failed.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to be unsuccessful in (sth.) He failed the test.
((to-inf)) to not do what is expected They failed to notice the warning.
Similar Words
Synonyms: be unsuccessful, neglect, break down; Antonyms: succeed, pass
Etymology
From Old French 'faillir', meaning 'to be lacking, miss'.
Memory Tips
If you 'fail', you 'fall' short of your goal. The similar sound can help you remember.