# words fail someone

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/words-fail-someone
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Someone is incapable of describing something with words, especially due to fear, shock, or surprise.

## Examples

- Words fail me when I see such a beautiful sunset.
- When the boss announced the sudden closure of the company, words failed the employees as they sat in stunned silence.
- Upon witnessing the sheer scale of the ancient ruins, words failed the traveler, leaving him to contemplate the vastness of history in quiet awe.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.