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.
Pratt, 42 years old, entered the race a year after losing his home in the Palisades fire, saying the city government failed to protect residents from the blaze.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
Huang’s campaign tried and ultimately failed to receive matching funds from the city, whereas Raman’s campaign unlocked the maximum allowed, $1.25 million.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
After the reward pathway was switched, the mice unexpectedly failed to receive the reward they anticipated.
From Science Daily • Jun. 8, 2026
However, even after he was prompted by the church two years into his employment, he still failed to undergo a check for a further five months.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
“Our pack failed once, and you saw what happened. Don’t fail the pack now by choice.”
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.
