intransitive verb

1. to be lacking or insufficient; fall short the water supply is failing
2. to lose power or strength; weaken; die away
3. to stop operating or working the brakes failed
4. to be deficient or negligent in an obligation, duty, or expectation; default
5. to be unsuccessful in obtaining a desired end; be unable to do or become; miss
6. to become bankrupt
7. Educ. to get a grade of failure; not pass

Etymology: ME failen < OFr faillir, to fail, miss < L fallere, to deceive, disappoint < IE base *ĝhwel-, to bend, deviate > Sans hválati, (he) loses the way, errs, Gr phēloein, to deceive

transitive verb

1. to be useless or not helpful to; be inadequate for; disappoint
2. to leave; abandon his courage failed him
3. to miss, neglect, or omit: used with an infinitive he failed to go
4. Educ.
   1. to give a grade of failure to (a pupil)
   2. to get a grade of failure in (a subject)

noun

Etymology: ME faile < OFr faile < the v.