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 newly unveiled Mike McDaniel offense failed to get any real traction, and Justin Herbert was sacked three times.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026
Although it's important to note that this contest hasn't been a bed of roses, with Monica Lennon labelling the party "quite nasty" when she failed to make the final leadership ballot.
From BBC ● Sep. 18, 2026
I won’t! he cried inwardly as his strength failed him and his thoughts began to blur.
From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo
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.
