failed
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of failed
First recorded in 1650–60; fail ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )
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.
Although the parties agreed Monday to dismiss the broader lawsuit, Lively is still seeking attorneys’ fees, punitive damages and other financial penalties stemming from Baldoni’s failed $400-million defamation countersuit against her, which U.S.
From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026
Some doctors failed to recognize the role of vitamin K when a baby came into their emergency rooms, let alone knew how to reverse the damage from the declined shots.
From Salon • May 7, 2026
In his arguments to court, he said that his tour operator had failed to enforce the resort's ban on towel reserving, and did not confront guests who were engaging in the practice.
From BBC • May 6, 2026
Investors want to see proof that this corporate turnaround, after many failed attempts in Citi’s history, can be sustained.
From Barron's • May 6, 2026
And she started with the truth: “My birth father was Native. I have family beyond the parents who failed me. You have family beyond me and the ways I failed you.”
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
