fail
verb (used without object)
to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired, or approved.
has been failing
-
present perfect progressiveof fail (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Blackpool South's Labour MP Chris Webb told the Blackpool Lead: "We need to do better, and we know that the state has been failing these young kids, young babies."
From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2026
Moreover, Border Patrol has been failing to collect and record all available data on deaths, according to a 2022 Government Accountability Office report.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 29, 2023
Officials also said Texas has been failing to alert them that the buses are coming, so they are caught by surprise.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 15, 2022
But OPEC+, which includes Russia, has been failing to meet its production targets.
From Washington Times ● Jun. 20, 2022
"They say there," went on McTaggart, "that his brain has been failing for some years—that he made mistakes—you see the line—'strange and eccentric diagnoses'—I wonder ... do you mind if I tell you?"
From The Man with the Double Heart by Muriel Hine
