Fail

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Fail

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

verb and noun

Pronunciation

FAYL  /feɪl/

Definition

As a verb: to be unsuccessful in achieving one's goal; to neglect to do something; to stop working properly. As a noun: a mark or grade that is below the standard required to pass; an instance of being unsuccessful.

Plain meaning

To not succeed at what you tried to do — and, as a noun, the result of not succeeding.

Register

Neutral and universal. Standard across academic, technical, engineering, and everyday use. The noun and exclamation senses are informal.