Word
failed
US/ˈfeɪɫd/
UK/fˈeɪld/
Definitions
01did not succeed
A2 · Elementary
v. to not achieve a goal or not pass a test.
v. the past tense of fail, indicating a lack of success in achieving a specific objective or meeting a standard.
“He failed his driving test twice before finally passing last month.”
“The expedition failed to reach the summit due to deteriorating weather conditions and a critical shortage of oxygen supplies.”
02unsuccessful
B1 · Intermediate
adj. describing something that did not work or did not reach its goal.
adj. describing an attempt, project, or person that has not achieved the desired outcome.
“The police launched a search after a failed attempt to contact the witness.”
“The company's failed expansion into the European market resulted in significant financial losses and a complete restructuring of the board.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03bankrupt or broken
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. describing a business that has run out of money or a part of the body that no longer works.
adj. referring to a commercial entity that has become insolvent or a biological system that has ceased to function.
“The government had to step in to manage the failed bank.”
“The surgeon explained that the patient required a transplant to replace the failed organ before systemic infection could take hold.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “failed” in context.
Verb
01. failed miserably in the attempt
“The team tried to implement the new strategy but failed miserably in the attempt.”
verb + adv + prep + noun
02. failed the driving test
“She was disappointed because she failed the driving test for the second time.”
verb + noun
03. failed to reach an agreement
“After hours of intense negotiation, the two companies failed to reach an agreement.”
verb + infinitive
Adjective
04. failed marriage
“He reflected on his failed marriage and realized they had grown apart over the years.”
adj + noun
05. failed state
“Political analysts are worried that the country is becoming a failed state due to the civil war.”
adj + noun
Adverb
06. repeatedly failed
“The student repeatedly failed to submit his assignments on time despite several warnings.”
adv + verb
07. utterly failed
“The government utterly failed to protect the local environment from pollution.”
adv + verb
Real-World Examples
“Two years ago, Werro failed to make it out of the heats at the Olympics which Hodgkinson would go on to win.” “In June, the European Union held talks with Taliban officials in Brussels about returning failed asylum-seekers to Afghanistan.” “He failed to turn up to hear the result.” “We apologize, but this video has failed to load.” Idioms
01. god that failed
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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