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fails

  • present tense form
    of fail (3rd person singular).
    fail
    verb (used without object)
    to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired, or approved.

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.

See Examples For:

So the asymmetry never fails to trip us up.

From Slate ● Oct. 31, 2026

If she fails to “provide clear and unequivocal commitments” to their questions, the national committee will vote on whether to rescind DSA-LA’s endorsement, a spokesperson confirmed.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 27, 2026

"Strong results are no longer enough if the outlook fails to match an already demanding valuation. Investors are becoming much less forgiving."

From Barron's ● Oct. 23, 2026

And if that fails, new elections will be called.

From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2026

When observation fails to align with a truth, what do you trust—your senses or your truth?

From "Turtles All the Way Down" by John Green