fail
verb (used without object)
to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired, or approved.
are failing
-
present progressiveof fail.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.
As these tests become popular, we are failing to deliver the prevention that already works.
From Slate ● Sep. 9, 2026
“National leaders should convene economists, technologists, labor experts, business leaders and workers themselves regularly to identify where existing institutions are failing and what new authorities may be needed,” he continued.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 26, 2026
All nine companies are failing when it comes to combating "existential" threats such as pursuing models that reach human-level intelligence, known as "artificial general intelligence" or AGI, the report said.
From Barron's ● Jul. 7, 2026
But big tech's Ram woes are failing to gain the sympathy of many consumers facing eye-watering costs for barely-new electronics.
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026
Both are trying to reach each other here, both are failing.
From "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" by J.K. Rowling
