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.
Plenty of technology parks attempting to capitalize on university know-how have failed over the years.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026
The agency also alleged the company failed to carry out periodic inspections to identify unsafe conditions and work practices, or to provide proper training and personal protective equipment to some of its employees and contractors.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2026
The clearest evidence is that the cuts often failed to protect the very investors the Greenspan put supposedly insured.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 23, 2026
The 1973 Arab oil embargo contributed to years of inflation, and President Gerald Ford’s “Whip Inflation Now” initiative symbolized the failed response to it.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026
Time’s up, and I failed to achieve two of my ten goals.
From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison
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.
