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.
Early Saturday morning, Armstrong said the final bill was an improvement on earlier drafts, even as he acknowledged that it failed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 20, 2026
The termites continued toward their next molt, but eventually failed to complete it successfully and died.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 19, 2026
The Chargers, who were favored by 9½ points, failed to generate anything close to a rhythm.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026
Despite the teenager then busting his score, Noppert failed to take advantage and retake the lead.
From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026
And I can’t help but feel like I’ve failed her.
From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz
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.
