fail
verb (used without object)
to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired, or approved.
have been failing
-
present perfect progressiveof fail.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.
At UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, he wrote, students have been failing basic tests in areas like family medicine and pediatrics.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 23, 2026
Tesla’s profits per share and revenue have been failing to meet investor expectations.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2025
The Bucks have been failing in that effort.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 22, 2024
Across swathes of Khartoum, factories, banks and shops have been looted or damaged, power and water supplies have been failing and residents have reported steep price rises and shortages of basic goods.
From Reuters ● May 5, 2023
From his relatives who have twice called to see him it was learned that his mental trouble came on very suddenly, although his memory and faculties have been failing for some time past.
From Manhood Perfectly Restored Prof. Jean Civiale's Soluble Urethral Crayons as a Quick, Painless, and Certain Cure for Impotence, Etc. by Civiale Remedial Agency
