v.
    - be unsuccessful in an undertaking. 
▸be unable to meet the standards set by (a test).
 ▸judge (a candidate in an examination or test) not to have passed.
 - neglect to do something. 
▸disappoint expectations:
 commuter chaos has failed to materialize.
 - stop working properly. 
▸become weaker or worse.
 ▸go out of business.
 - desert or let down:
 her nerve failed her.
 
n.
 a mark which is not high enough to pass an examination or test.
 
  Phrase
  
    
      - without fail
 whatever happens. 
    
   
  Etymology
  ME: from OFr. faillir (v.), faille (n.), based on L. fallere ‘deceive’.