fail | Definition of fail

1 to stop functioning

my car failed just as I was about to head to work

Synonyms of fail

break, break down, conk (out), crash, cut out, die, give out, stall

Words Related to fail

fizzle, sputter, wheeze

act up, malfunction

jam

Antonyms of fail

start (up)

2 to be unsuccessful

despite all the publicity, the movie failed miserably at the box office

Synonyms of fail

bomb, collapse, crater, flame out, flop, flunk, fold, founder, miss, strike out, tank, wash out

Words Related to fail

flounder, struggle

decline, sink, skid, slip, slump, wane

crash, crumble, miscarry, misfire

go under

implode, self-destruct

Phrases Synonymous with fail

come a cropper, come to grief, come up empty, die on the vine, fall flat, fall on one's face, fall short, lay an egg

Near Antonyms of fail

cook, flourish, prosper, thrive

prevail, triumph, win

Antonyms of fail

click, come off, deliver, go, go over, pan out, succeed, work out

3 to fall short in satisfying the expectation or hope of

although the minor-league franchise continues to fail local fans, hope springs eternal

Synonyms of fail

cheat, disappoint, dissatisfy, let down

Words Related to fail

bum (out), chagrin, discontent, disgruntle, displease, distress, upset

disenchant, disillusion

deceive, delude, mock

Near Antonyms of fail

fulfill (or fulfil)

gladden

Antonyms of fail

content, gratify, satisfy

4 to lose bodily strength or vigor

ever since she reached the age of 90, Grandma has been noticeably failing

Synonyms of fail

decay, droop, emaciate, fade, flag, go, lag, languish, sag, sink, waste (away), weaken, wilt, wither

Words Related to fail

break down, wear out

yield

degenerate, deteriorate, rot, run down

Near Antonyms of fail

convalesce, rally, rebound, recover, recuperate

gain

5 to miss the opportunity or obligation

failed to mention that he was looking for new job

Synonyms of fail

forget, neglect, omit

Words Related to fail

disregard, ignore, overlook, overpass, pass over, pretermit, slight

slide, slip

default

skip

Phrases Synonymous with fail

miss out on

Near Antonyms of fail

heed, mind, remember

keep, observe

carry out, do, execute, perform, practice (also practise)

discharge, fulfill (or fulfil), meet, satisfy

comply (with)

Synonyms and Antonyms of fail

WORD OF THE DAY

contrite