fail
verb (used without object)
to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired, or approved.
was failing
-
past progressiveof fail.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
In April, EU regulators found Meta was failing to keep under-13s off its Facebook and Instagram platforms in breach of the bloc's digital content rules.
From Barron's ● Jun. 9, 2026
Trainer Carl Nafzger famously described Unbridled’s stretch run to 92-year-old owner Frances Genter, whose eyesight was failing.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 2, 2026
His only regret was failing to capture the reaction shot.
From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026
After talks were held in Geneva, Vice President JD Vance said this past week that Iran was failing to acknowledge or address what the U.S. has said is necessary for a deal.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 21, 2026
The night of September 19, a messenger came to tell the boys that their father was failing and they were to leave for his bedside as soon as possible.
From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow
