[countable] the result of a test or an exam when sb/sth is not successful（考试）不及格 ●without ˈfailwhen you tell sb to do sth without fail, you are telling them that they must do it务必；一定◆I want you here by two o'clock without fail.我要你两点钟之前务必来到这儿。always总是；必定◆She attends board meetings without fail.她从不缺席董事会会议。