Fail Meaning
Fail Definition & Usage
To be unsuccessful in an attempt or effort.
Examples
- "Despite their best efforts, the team failed to secure the championship."
- "I failed to meet the deadline for the project submission."
- "The experiment failed because of a technical glitch."
- "She failed the exam after studying for weeks."
- "His attempt to fix the car failed miserably."
To neglect or omit an essential task or requirement.
Examples
- "The company failed to deliver on its promises to the customers."
- "He failed to inform me about the changes in the schedule."
- "She failed to submit her application on time."
- "You failed to mention that the meeting was rescheduled."
- "The manager failed to recognize the team's hard work."
To fall short of a standard or expectation.
Examples
- "The movie failed to impress critics with its predictable plot."
- "His performance in the competition failed to meet expectations."
- "The new product failed to capture the market interest."
- "Her speech failed to inspire the audience."
- "The restaurant failed to provide good customer service."
To physically or metaphorically fall or decline.
Examples
- "The stock market failed dramatically after the announcement."
- "Her health failed rapidly after the surgery."
- "The bridge failed under the weight of the truck."
- "The system failed to prevent the cyber attack."
- "The old building failed to withstand the earthquake."
To disappoint someone by not meeting their hopes or expectations.
Examples
- "I felt that he had failed me as a friend."
- "The team's poor performance failed their loyal fans."
- "She failed to support me when I needed her the most."
- "The organization failed its mission to help the community."
- "The child felt that his parents had failed him."
Cultural Context
The word 'fail' comes from Old French 'faillir' (to fall short), and has evolved over centuries. Its use in the English language captures both literal and figurative senses of falling short or being unsuccessful. Over time, it has become a common expression in academic, business, and personal contexts.
The Unlikely Champion
Story
The Unlikely Champion
On the morning of the big race, the crowd gathered around the track, their eyes fixed on the runners. Among them was Ben, a young athlete who had always been the underdog. Ben had trained for this moment for years, and yet, he felt something was off. His legs were heavier than usual, his mind cluttered with doubt. As the race began, he pushed forward, each step a battle against the fatigue that weighed him down. But halfway through, he stumbled. His foot caught the ground, and in a split second, he fell, his body crashing to the track with a painful thud. The crowd gasped, and for a moment, it seemed as if all was lost. But Ben didn’t stay down. He got back up, brushed the dirt off, and continued running. His goal was no longer to win, but to finish. His determination pushed him past every obstacle, every aching muscle, until he crossed the finish line. Although he didn’t win, he had proven something to himself: he had failed, yes, but only temporarily. It was the first step to something greater. As the crowd cheered, Ben realized that the real victory wasn’t about never failing, but about how you rise after a fall. And that day, he was a champion.
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