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Verbs of Challenge and Competition - Verbs for Failure

Here you will learn some English verbs referring to failure such as "lose", "succumb", and "flunk".

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Categorized English Verbs of Challenge and Competition
to fail
to fail
[Verb]

to be unsuccessful in accomplishing something

Ex: Despite their best efforts, the plan failed. 
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to flop
to flop
[Verb]

(of a play, motion picture, or new product) to fail to be of any success or produce the intended effect

Ex: Despite high expectations, the Broadway play flopped after receiving unfavorable reviews. 
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to flunk
to flunk
[Verb]

to fail in reaching the required standard to succeed in a test, course of study, etc.

Ex: Despite studying hard, he unfortunately flunked the math exam. 
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to default

to fail at accomplishing an obligation, particularly a financial one

Ex: If you miss your mortgage payments, you may default on your home loan. 
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to succumb

to surrender to a superior force or influence

Ex: Despite his strong will, he eventually succumbed to the persuasive arguments of his friends. 
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to fall behind

to fail to keep up in work, studies, or performance

Ex: The company fell behind its competitors in AI research 
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to go under

to experience financial failure or bankruptcy, often leading to the end or termination of a business or company

Ex: The economic recession caused many small businesses to go under. 
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to fall through

(of a deal, plan, arrangement, etc.) to fail to happen or be completed

Ex: Despite careful preparation, the business deal began to fall through at the last minute. 
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to backfire

to have a result contrary to what one desired or intended

Ex: His attempt to prank his friend backfired when she turned the tables on him. 
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to lose
to lose
[Verb]

to not win in a race, fight, game, etc.

Ex: They lost the boxing match in the final round. 
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to give in

to surrender to someone's demands, wishes, or desires, often after a period of resistance

Ex: After a long negotiation, they finally gave in to the demands of the opposing party. 
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to go down

to experience defeat in a competition or conflict

Ex: The army refused to go down and defended their position valiantly. 
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