■ verb
1》 be unsuccessful in an undertaking.
↘be unable to meet the standards set by (a test).
↘judge (a candidate in an examination or test) not to have passed.
2》 neglect to do something.
↘disappoint expectations: commuter chaos has ~ed to materialize.
3》 stop working properly.
↘become weaker or worse.
↘go out of business.
4》 desert or let down: her nerve ~ed her.
■ noun a mark which is not high enough to pass an examination or test.
Phrases
without ~ whatever happens.
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~lir (v.), ~le (n.), based on L. fallere 'deceive'.