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.
An attempt to detonate or diffuse the bomb failed, so Officer Brian Murray and three others were lowered into the crater.
From Slate • Jul. 7, 2026
A bid by parents to take over the running of the 85-year-old school failed and it closed in December 2025.
From BBC • Jul. 7, 2026
That has failed: For the first time in franchise history, the Angels could finish in last place for a third consecutive season.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 6, 2026
Barely four minutes after Bellingham’s second goal, the lead was cut in half when England’s defense failed to deal with a free-kick and Mexico forward Julián Quiñones rifled into the roof of the net.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 6, 2026
“Hello?” he called, walking to the front desk, where the ditzy receptionist answered phones, checked in families, and located, or failed to locate, packages.
From "Not Nothing" by Gayle Forman
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.
