failed

UK: feɪld | US: feɪld

Definition
  1. v. (past tense of "fail") to be unsuccessful in achieving a goal or standard

  2. adj. having not succeeded; lacking success

Structure
fail <to fall short>ed <past tense suffix>
Etymology

The word "failed" originates from the Old French "faillir," meaning "to lack, miss, or be unsuccessful," which itself derives from the Latin "fallere" (to deceive, disappoint). The suffix "-ed" marks the past tense or past participle in English. Over time, "fail" evolved to broadly mean "to fall short of expectations," and "failed" became its standard past form, retaining the core idea of unmet success.

Examples
  1. The experiment failed due to incorrect measurements.

  2. She felt disappointed after her business failed within a year.

  3. The rescue mission failed despite their best efforts.

  4. His failed attempt at baking a cake left the kitchen in chaos.

  5. The team analyzed why the project failed to avoid future mistakes.