Basic Details
Word: Fail
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To not succeed in doing something.
Synonyms: Flunk, fall short, misfire
Antonyms: Succeed, triumph, achieve
Idioms and Phrases
- Failing upwards: A situation where someone becomes more successful after a failure. Example: "Even though he failed at the job, he ended up getting a better position at another company it's like he was failing upwards!"
- Fail safe: A method or system designed to stop something from going wrong. Example: "The fail-safe mechanism in the machine ensured that it would shut down safely if anything went wrong."
Usage Examples
Example 1: I studied hard for the exam, but I was worried I might fail.
Example 2: Even great inventors like Thomas Edison failed many times before they succeeded.
Example 3: If you fail to prepare for a test, you might struggle to pass it.
Fun Fact
The word "fail" comes from the Latin word "fallere," which means "to deceive or disappoint." It highlights how falling short can lead to a sense of disappointment.
Famous Quote
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." Winston S. Churchill
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "fail" mean?
a) To succeed in something
b) To try again
c) To not succeed in doing something
d) To celebrate a victory
Answer: c) To not succeed in doing something
2. Which of these is a synonym of "fail"?
a) Victory
b) Flunk
c) Accomplish
d) Prevail
Answer: b) Flunk
3. Which of these is an antonym of "fail"?
a) Fall
b) Misfire
c) Triumph
d) Blunder
Answer: c) Triumph
4. Which sentence uses "fail" correctly?
a) She will fail the project by finishing it early.
b) He failed to arrive on time for the meeting.
c) They are planning to fail the competition.
d) The teacher praised her for failing.
Answer: b) He failed to arrive on time for the meeting.
5. Which idiom relates to the concept of "fail"?
a) Failing upwards
b) As quick as a flash
c) Over the moon
d) Keep your chin up
Answer: a) Failing upwards
