Fail/feɪl/ Definition 1 of 6Pro Tip 1/3Effort Implication Using 'fail' suggests the person tried but did not reach their goal. Despite studying, he failed the test. Pro Tip 2/3Result Oriented 'Fail' focuses on the outcome, not the process or effort involved. She failed to achieve her sales target. Pro Tip 3/3Common Collocations Often used with opportunities or tasks one didn't succeed in. He failed his driving test again.