English Reference
verb · adjective

failed

v. · adj.
US /ˈfeɪɫd/ UK /fˈeɪld/ failed

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

    He failed his driving test twice before finally passing last month.

    In context

    The expedition failed to reach the summit due to deteriorating weather conditions and a critical shortage of oxygen supplies.

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

    The police launched a search after a failed attempt to contact the witness.

    In context

    The company's failed expansion into the European market resulted in significant financial losses and a complete restructuring of the board.

  3. 03 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.

    Simple

    The government had to step in to manage the failed bank.

    In context

    The surgeon explained that the patient required a transplant to replace the failed organ before systemic infection could take hold.

Usage failed to load · failed to make · failed to stop

Two years ago, Werro failed to make it out of the heats at the Olympics which Hodgkinson would go on to win.

BBC News· 15 Aug 2026

In June, the European Union held talks with Taliban officials in Brussels about returning failed asylum-seekers to Afghanistan.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated