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falhar

[fɑˈʎɑɾ]
verb
to fail
1. to not succeed in accomplishing a goal or task
He failed the exam because he didn't study.
Ele falhou no exame porque não estudou.
2. to malfunction or stop working properly
The engine failed during the flight.
O motor falhou durante o voo.
3. to disappoint or let someone down
I don't want to fail my friends.
Não quero falhar meus amigos.
4. to miss or lack something expected
Words fail me to describe this beauty.
Faltam-me palavras para descrever essa beleza.
NYC Slang
to bomb, to flunk, to choke
Synonyms
fracassarmalogrardecepcionarfaltar
Antonyms
sucedertriunfarconseguirlograr

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
falhar
standard usage in both formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
falhar
common in business and professional contexts
Rio de Janeiro
falhar
standard usage, sometimes replaced by fracassar in colloquial speech
Portugal
falhar
standard usage, equivalent to English 'fail'

Related Idioms & Phrases

falhar na oportunidade - to miss an opportunity
não falhar - to not let down
falhar redondamente - to fail completely/utterly
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