Failed

Definition

Failed commonly refers to something that did not succeed or did not achieve the intended result or purpose.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Verb (Past tense of "fail")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /feɪld/
• Respelling: FAYLD (with "FAYLD" as in "nailed")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /feɪld/
• Respelling: FAYLD (with "FAYLD" as in "nailed")

In both dialects, "failed" places the primary stress on the entire syllable. The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "FAYLD."

Etymology

The word "failed" comes from the verb "fail," which has its origins in the Old French word "faillir," meaning "to be lacking, miss, not succeed." This, in turn, is derived from the Vulgar Latin word fallīre, which is related to the Latin "fallere," meaning "to deceive" or "disappoint." The word entered the English language in the 13th century, initially carrying the meanings of "to be unsuccessful" or "to fall short."

Derivatives

• Fail (verb)
• Failure (noun)
• Failing (noun/adjective)
• Unfailed (adjective, rare)
• Refail (verb, rare)

Synonyms

• Unsuccessful
• Defeated
• Thwarted

Antonyms

• Successful
• Triumphant
• Achieved

Usage

The term "failed" is used in various contexts to describe situations, efforts, or entities that did not achieve their intended outcomes. It is often used in both personal and professional settings to denote unsuccessful attempts or endeavors.

Related Terms

• Flunk: Slang, often related to academic failure.
• Bankrupt: In business, a state where liabilities exceed assets.
• Collapse: A general term that can imply failure, especially structurally.

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Unsuccessful: Used to describe something or someone that has not succeeded or met expectations.
  • Example: He was a failed artist who struggled to sell his work.

• Defunct or Non-operational: Refers to something that is no longer functioning, often used to describe businesses or systems.
  • Example: The failed company declared bankruptcy last year.

Verb (Past tense of "fail")

• Unsuccessful Attempt: Describes an effort or action that did not achieve its desired goal or outcome.
  • Example: Despite their hard work, the team failed to win the championship.

• Fell Short: Indicates that something did not meet the required standard or expectation.
  • Example: The project failed to deliver the expected results.