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.
Mr. MacCarthy filed an unfair labor practice charge with the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission, alleging the union had failed to represent him fairly.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
Federal officials said the two states had failed to provide sufficient evidence that a number of disputed medical claims were legitimate.
From Salon ● Aug. 5, 2026
The prime minister said it was a "major dereliction of public duty" that successive governments had failed to address the crisis.
From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026
His best efforts to get a visa to visit the U.S. had failed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026
As a result, by the time Jefferson had arrived in New York in March, sixteen possible sites had been proposed but had failed to muster a majority.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
