fail
verb (used without object)
to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired, or approved.
has failed
-
present perfectof fail (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Replimune, based outside Boston, will market the new drug alongside Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Opdivo for patients whose melanoma has progressed after immunotherapy alone has failed.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 6, 2026
Japan has not sold off its Treasury bondholdings, no Treasury auction has failed, and people have predicted a Japanese debt reckoning for 30 years while being wrong every single time.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 28, 2026
"Each time that the other party has failed to meet its obligations, we did not uphold ours," he added.
From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026
Messi even had a first-half penalty saved by Shobeir - the fourth of eight spot-kicks he has failed to score at a World Cup.
From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026
Cardan looks over, and I can tell from his expression that she has failed to please him.
From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black
