fail
verb (used without object)
to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired, or approved.
have failed
-
present perfectof fail.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.
The companies backed by the owner of the Dodgers may have failed to disclose loans properly.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026
Both of the patriarchs of Emily Moreno’s life have failed to protect her.
From Slate ● Aug. 3, 2026
Decades of UN-backed talks have failed to reunify the divided island, with the last major round of peace talks in Switzerland collapsing in July 2017.
From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026
In one tribunal last year, the pub chain Greene King was found to have failed to make reasonable adjustments for a chef who was dyslexic and struggled with reading orders.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
I’m done with those; regrets are an excuse for people who have failed.
From "It’s Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini
