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.
Sannerstedt and Freden argue the Sweden Democrats had failed to broaden their appeal in other policy areas and were now struggling to remain relevant.
From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 2026
Twice earlier this year, meetings between Brics ministers had failed to produce a joint statement.
From BBC ● Sep. 13, 2026
Federal officials said the targeted schools were connected to more than 5,000 drivers who had failed English proficiency tests.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026
The player many classed as the world's greatest had failed when it mattered most for him.
From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026
When my father’s business had failed, we had traded our comfortable house in the center of the Jewish quarter for a wattle-and-daub cottage on our neighborhood’s outskirts.
From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros
