fail

How to Split "fail" into Syllables

The word fail is divided into 1 syllables: fail. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

• fail — 1st syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of fail:

• IPA: /feɪl/

📖 Definitions

1. fail (third-person singular simple present fails, present participle failing, simple past and past participle failed)
2. To be wanting; to fall short; to be or become deficient in any measure or degree up to total absence.

📚 Word Origin & History

Inherited from Middle English failen, borrowed from Old French falir, from Vulgar Latin *fallire, alteration of Latin fallere (“to deceive, disappoint”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰāl- (“to lie, deceive”) or Proto-Indo-European *sgʷʰh₂el- (“to stumble”). Compare Alemannic German fääle (“to lack”), Cimbrian béelan, véelan (“to fail”), veln (“to be absent, missing”), Dutch falen, feilen (“to fail, miss”), German fallieren, fehlen (“to fail, miss, lack”), ...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down fail into syllables helps with:

• Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
• Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
• Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
• Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
• Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare fail with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word	Syllables	Division
fail	1	fail
foul	1	foul
fool	1	fool
fellow	2	fel-low
folly	2	fol-ly

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to fail:

fain, fair, faint, fairy, Faith, faille, Faisal, faience.