fail
UK/feil/US
NGSL 1kA2
Definitions
v.
To not succeed in doing or achieving something.
失败，没能做成。
v.
To stop working or functioning properly.
失灵，出故障；（健康、力量等）衰退。
v.
To not do something that is expected or needed; to neglect.
未能（做应做之事），疏忽。
n.
(Informal) an instance of failing; a failure.
（非正式）失败；（考试）不及格。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin fallere (to deceive, fall short) through Old French faillir. The deceiving sense softened into "to fall short, let down." When you fail, something falls short of what was hoped — an effort, a machine, or your own follow-through. Same fallere that gives fallacy, here meaning "to come up short."
Root fall still carries 12 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.fail an exam考试不及格
- 2.fail to do未能做……
- 3.fail miserably惨败
- 4.never fail to总是会……
- 5.words fail me我无话可说
Example Sentences
- 1.
She was afraid she would fail the driving test again.
- 2.
The engine failed just as we reached the top of the hill.
- 3.
He failed to mention that he was already married.