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’.