What is fail? Pronunciation and usage in English

fail means . Learn how to pronounce and use fail through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of fail

failverb

/feɪl/
Definition & pronunciation of fail

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "fail" in English. There are two main ways it's pronounced, depending on where you are:

1. American English (most common):

  • Pronunciation: /feɪl/

  • Breakdown:

    • "f": Sounds like the "f" in "fun."
    • "ai": This is a diphthong – a blend of two vowel sounds. It sounds like the "i" in "bike" or "eye," but a little shorter and more closed. Think of it as a quick "ay" sound.
    • "l": Sounds like the "l" in "light."

  • Putting it together: Say it quickly: "Fayl"

2. British English:

  • Pronunciation: /fɛɪl/

  • Breakdown:

    • "f": Same as American English - sounds like "f" in "fun."
    • "ɛ": This is a shorter, flatter "e" sound, like in "bed" or "say." It’s not as open as the “ai” in American English.
    • "l": Sounds like the "l" in "light."

  • Putting it together: Say it quickly: "Feil" (The "e" sound is shorter and more subtle.)

Here’s a quick way to remember it:

  • American: Think of the word "eye" – that's the "ai" sound.
  • British: Think of the word "say" – that’s the "ɛ" sound.

Resources to hear the pronunciation:

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Usage and examples with the word fail in English

Let's break down how to use the word "fail" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings and ways to use it. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

1. As a Verb (to not succeed)

  • Most Common Meaning: This is the core meaning - to not accomplish something, to be unsuccessful.

    • Example: "I failed my driving test." (I didn’t pass it.)
    • Example: "The company failed to meet its sales targets." (They didn't reach their goals.)
    • Example: "He failed to understand the instructions." (He didn’t get them.)

  • Phrases using "fail":

    • Fail to do something: "He failed to notice the warning sign."
    • Fail to be something: "She failed to appreciate the beauty of the sunset."
    • Fail to achieve something: "The plan failed to materialize."
    • Fail to comply: “The company failed to comply with the regulations.”

2. As a Noun (a lack of success)

  • Meaning: Refers to the act of failing, or the outcome of failing.
    • Example: "His failure was disappointing." (Referring to the fact he didn't succeed)
    • Example: “The failure of the experiment was due to a mistake.” (Referring to the experiment itself not working)
    • Example: “She experienced a failure in her relationship.” (Referring to the relationship ending)

3. In Formal Settings (Especially Exams & Assessments)

  • Official ‘Fail’ Grade: In education (exams, tests, courses), "fail" often refers to a specific grade or rating indicating a lack of achievement.
    • Example: "He received a 'D' fail in math."
    • Example: "The exam results showed a high failure rate."

4. Figurative Usage (Beyond Literal Success/Failure)

  • Fail as a Possessive: It can be used to indicate a lack of something, a deficiency.
    • Example: "He's a failure to me." (Meaning he doesn't meet my expectations or values - this is a strong statement.)
    • Example: “The project is a failure due to lack of funding.” (Essentially, it lacks the necessary resources to succeed.)

Key Nuances & Tone

  • Severity: “Fail” can sometimes imply a complete and serious failure. Consider using alternatives like "not succeed" or "not meet expectations" if you want to be less harsh.
  • Context is Important: The meaning and impact of “fail” depend greatly on the context.

Synonyms for "Fail" (depending on the context):

  • Not succeed: A more neutral option.
  • Lose: (e.g., “He lost the game.”)
  • Be unsuccessful: A more formal way to phrase it.
  • Fall short: (e.g., “The project fell short of its goals.”)
  • Mismanage: (e.g., “They mismanaged the funds.”)
  • Underperform: (e.g., “The team underperformed.”)

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What's the context you're thinking about when you want to use "fail"? (e.g., talking about a test, a business project, a relationship, etc.)

Synonyms for the word fail

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