fallar

Definition & meaning

Fallar is a Spanish verb with several related meanings:

1. To fail or be unsuccessful
   It describes not achieving a goal or not producing the expected result.

   • El plan falló. — “The plan failed.”
   • Falló en su intento. — “He/She failed in the attempt.”

2. To make a mistake or be wrong
   It can mean giving an incorrect answer, judgment, or prediction.

   • El testigo falló al identificar al sospechoso. — “The witness was wrong when identifying the suspect.”

3. To miss a target or opportunity

   • Falló el tiro. — “He/She missed the shot.”
   • No falles esta oportunidad. — “Don’t miss this opportunity.”

4. To malfunction or break down
   It is commonly used for machines, systems, or body parts that stop working correctly.

   • El motor falló. — “The engine broke down.”
   • Me está fallando la memoria. — “My memory is failing me.”

5. To let someone down or fail someone
   With the indirect-object pronoun le, it can mean not supporting someone or not keeping a promise.

   • No quiero fallarte. — “I don’t want to let you down.”

6. To rule or give a judicial decision
   In legal contexts, fallar means for a court to make a ruling.

   • El tribunal falló a favor del demandante. — “The court ruled in favor of the claimant.”
   • El juez falló en contra de la empresa. — “The judge ruled against the company.”

Grammar & Word origin

Fallar is a regular -ar verb. Its stem is fall-, followed by the infinitive ending -ar.

Examples of conjugation:

• yo fallo — “I fail / I miss”
• tú fallas — “you fail / you miss”
• él/ella falla — “he/she fails / misses”
• falló — “he/she/it failed”
• fallará — “he/she/it will fail”

The verb comes from Latin fallere, meaning “to deceive,” “to disappoint,” or “to fail.” Its meanings developed from the idea of something not producing the expected result.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

• fracasar ↗ — “to fail” in a broad sense, especially when an undertaking or person does not achieve success. It is often stronger and more general than fallar.
• equivocarse ↗ — “to make a mistake” or “to be wrong.” This focuses on an incorrect action or judgment rather than on a failed result.
• errar ↗ — “to err” or “to be mistaken.” It is more formal or literary than fallar and can also mean missing a target.
• averiarse ↗ — “to break down” or “to malfunction.” It is appropriate for machines and systems, whereas fallar is more widely applicable.
• defraudar ↗ — “to disappoint” or “to let down.” It is close to fallarle a alguien but emphasizes the other person’s disappointment.

Antonyms

• acertar ↗ — “to get right,” “to hit the target,” or “to make the correct choice.” It is the clearest antonym when fallar means being wrong or missing.
• funcionar ↗ — “to work” or “to function.” It is the opposite when fallar refers to a machine or system malfunctioning.
• triunfar ↗ — “to succeed” or “to triumph.” It contrasts with fallar when referring to an unsuccessful attempt or project.
• cumplir ↗ — “to fulfill” or “to keep.” It can contrast with fallarle a alguien when referring to keeping a promise or meeting an obligation.

Common phrases & collocations

• fallar un examen [?](vocabuo://word/fallar un examen) — to fail an exam
• fallar un tiro [?](vocabuo://word/fallar un tiro) — to miss a shot
• fallar una oportunidad [?](vocabuo://word/fallar una oportunidad) — to miss an opportunity
• fallar en algo [?](vocabuo://word/fallar en algo) — to fail at something
• fallarle a alguien [?](vocabuo://word/fallarle a alguien) — to let someone down
• fallar a favor de alguien [?](vocabuo://word/fallar a favor de alguien) — to rule in someone’s favor
• fallar en contra de alguien [?](vocabuo://word/fallar en contra de alguien) — to rule against someone
• fallo del sistema [?](vocabuo://word/fallo del sistema) — system failure
• fallo técnico [?](vocabuo://word/fallo técnico) — technical fault or malfunction