fail
verb (used without object)
to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired, or approved.
had failed
-
past perfectof fail.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
The 18-year-old's stepmother Katie Nowak said Hampshire Police had failed them "multiple times".
From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026
Researchers suspected that another molecule was helping the toxin reach its target, but repeated attempts to identify it had failed.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 31, 2026
In 2019, it had failed to prepare the required safety documentation for biologically hazardous facilities.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 30, 2026
A signaling system had failed, a common problem in Spain’s sprawling, decades-old bullet-train network.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026
He had failed in all he had meant to do.
From "The Fighting Ground" by Avi
