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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Fail: Definition, Usage, and Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：not succeed (Fail)

Fail 🔊

/feɪl/

To not succeed in something you try to do, or to not meet a standard.

Fail student test paper with red F grade illustration

not succeed 🔊

➕

/nɒt səkˈsiːd/

To be unsuccessful in achieving a goal or meeting a required standard.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'fallere' meaning to deceive or disappoint.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of the letter 'F' as the lowest grade, meaning you did not succeed.

📖 Example

Don't worry if you fail the driving test; many people take it more than once. 🔊 Don't worry if you fail the driving test; many people take it more than once.

🔗 Collocations

fail an exam – to not pass a test

fail to meet a deadline – to not complete work on time

fail in business – to be unsuccessful in a commercial venture

🔄 Synonyms

flunk (v.) – To fail an exam or course, especially in school.

fall short (v.) – To fail to reach a required standard.

come up short (v.) – To be insufficient or not achieve a goal.

🚫 Antonyms

succeed (v.) – To achieve a desired goal or standard.

pass (v.) – To meet the required standard, especially in a test.

achieve (v.) – To successfully reach a goal.

🌱 Derivatives

failure (n.) – The state or condition of not succeeding.

failing (adj.) – Showing a lack of success or inadequate performance.

failed (adj.) – Unsuccessful; not achieving the intended outcome.

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'fallere' (to deceive). In medieval law, failing to appear in court was 'default'. Now common in exams and tech failures.

Meaning 2：break down (Fail)

Fail 🔊

/feɪl/

When something stops working properly or completely breaks down.

break down 🔊

➕

/breɪk daʊn/

When a machine, system, or part of the body stops working correctly or completely ceases to function.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The brakes failed on the old car, so it was taken to the garage immediately. 🔊 The brakes failed on the old car, so it was taken to the garage immediately.

🔗 Collocations

engine fails – the motor stops running

fails to start – does not begin operating

system failure – a complete breakdown of a network or process

🔄 Synonyms

malfunction (v.) – To function incorrectly or poorly.

break down (v.) – To stop working due to mechanical or electronic issues.

crash (v.) – To suddenly stop working, especially a computer system.

🚫 Antonyms

work (v.) – To function properly.

operate (v.) – To run smoothly as intended.

function (v.) – To perform correctly.

🌱 Derivatives

failure (n.) – The event of a machine or system ceasing to work.

failed (adj.) – Having stopped working or broken down.