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Synonyms

failed

American  
[feyld] / feɪld /

adjective

  1. falling short of success or achievement in something expected, desired, etc..

    bad memories from a failed relationship; a failed attempt to save his daughter.

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.

Soccer history, who, despite a stellar resume as a club coach, has failed to find a consistent winning formula on the international level.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

The U.S. tried and failed to get Arab and Muslim-majority nations to take the Afghans, according to one of the U.S. officials, prompting them to open negotiations with countries farther afield.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

“Medical directors failed to prevent inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs,” and “nursing home pharmacists failed to identify medical concerns and did not recommend dose reductions.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

But having failed to find a new club since leaving Mexico, Ramsey has decided to call time on his playing career.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

You could see them all the time up here in Churchill, but Owen never failed to be mesmerized by them.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

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.