fail
verb (used without object)
to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired, or approved.
am failing
-
present progressiveof fail (1st person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
When he doesn’t get money, he becomes angry and claims I am failing in my duty as a brother.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 3, 2026
"I am the first to say I am failing this club inside the pitch but outside I guarantee I am not failing this club," the 40-year-old said.
From BBC ● Dec. 19, 2025
I feel like I am failing her somehow by not telling her.
From Salon ● Sep. 25, 2021
Everything — from my lack of understanding about baseball rules to my complete dearth of “Star Wars” knowledge — feels like an example of how I am failing them.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 27, 2018
I feel so depressed, all my life I was an A and B student and now I am failing.
From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers
