fail
verb (used without object)
to fall short of success or achievement in something expected, attempted, desired, or approved.
were 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.
By October 2024, more than a dozen were failing academic courses, according to school records reviewed by the Journal.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 28, 2026
The scientists conducted additional tests to determine whether the mice were failing because of vision problems or movement difficulties.
From Science Daily ● Jun. 24, 2026
A French consumer advocacy group filed the claim alleging "planned obsolescence" in 2020, saying the Japanese giant knew some controllers were failing too quickly.
From Barron's ● Jun. 8, 2026
In my excitement, my senses were failing me.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 2, 2026
Claire felt as if she were failing a test.
From "Son" by Lois Lowry
