Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

failed

American  
[feyld] / feɪld /

adjective

  1. falling short of success or achievement in something expected, desired, etc..

    bad memories from a failed relationship; a failed attempt to save his daughter.

Etymology

Origin of failed

First recorded in 1650–60; fail ( def. ) + -ed 2 ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

If the YouTube interview was the turning point, the next big moment came on 15 March 2024, a national holiday marking the anniversary of Hungary's failed revolution in 1848.

From BBC

Unfortunately for Papa Bear, his descendants failed despite many attempts over the past 50 years to build their own home.

From The Wall Street Journal

Unlike China, it had failed to institute a sweeping censorship system when the internet was in its infancy.

From The Wall Street Journal

The claim alleges that Kelley-Eklund and Osborn failed to properly examine and handle the grenade, and says Lemus was not expecting a live device to be present at the training center.

From Los Angeles Times

By March 30, three had failed to clear zoning review, 25 had not filed complete building plans and 84 were waiting to have plans approved.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.