How to Pronounce Failed

To pronounce "failed", say FAIL-ed — 2 syllables, IPA /feɪld/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

failed

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/feɪld/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “failed”

"failed" has 2 syllables: fail-ed. It rhymes with veiled and wailed, if that helps it stick.

What does failed mean?

verb

  1. To be unsuccessful.

    “Throughout my life, I have always failed.”

  2. Not to achieve a particular stated goal. (Usage note: The direct object of this word is usually an infinitive.)

    “The truck failed to start.”

adjective

  1. Unsuccessful
  2. Decayed; worn out.

Synonyms

fall on one's faceflunk

Antonyms

succeed

Hear “failed” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with failed

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

veiledwailedunveiledassailedcurtailedhailedimpaledentailedprevailednaledrailedavailed

Related words

unsuccessfulfailureneglecteddefectivefaultyloss-makingmissfault

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "failed"?▾

"Failed" has 2 syllables: fail · ed.

What is the IPA transcription of "failed"?▾

The IPA transcription of "failed" is /feɪld/.

What does "failed" mean?▾

Failed: To be unsuccessful.

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