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.
Failed attempts to return Romero León have been laid out in weekly status reports the government is required to submit to the court.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026
Failed breakdowns can be powerful fuel for upside moves, particularly when they occur after extended declines.
From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026
Failed peace agreements risk further undermining trust between longtime adversaries and hurt the chances of a lasting end to hostilities, they said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 11, 2025
"Failed restructuring plans and broken promises from the company have become a familiar, demoralising pattern, and things simply can't go on as they are," he added.
From BBC • May 20, 2025
Failed to grab one during our last gas stop, and according to my old map, this is the last decent-sized city we’ll pass through for a while.
From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone
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.
