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.
Human Rights Watch said on Tuesday that Bangladeshi authorities were failing to uphold international legal standards.
From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026
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
He was taken to Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham, where Olivia was told his brain was swollen and multiple organs were failing.
From BBC ● May 15, 2026
He told how the cows were going dry and the gardens were failing.
From "Old Yeller" by Fred Gipson
