fail a course

Meaning

This expression means to not meet the minimum passing standards of a specific class or subject at school or university, resulting in not receiving credit for it. It is a common academic term used by students and teachers alike. The tone is neutral but carries a negative connotation since it implies academic struggle or disappointment.

Examples

• If you don't turn in your final paper, you might fail the course.

  If you don't turn in your final paper, you might fail the course.

• She had to retake chemistry after she failed the course last semester.

  She had to retake chemistry after she failed the course last semester.

• I'm worried that failing this course will affect my GPA.

  I'm worried that failing this course will affect my GPA.

• He didn't study enough for the exams and ended up failing the course.

  He didn't study enough for the exams and ended up failing the course.

• Failing a course isn't the end of the world; you can always try again next term.

  Failing a course isn't the end of the world; you can always try again next term.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He lost the course because of his low grades.

  ✓ He failed the course because of his low grades.

  In some languages, students 'lose' a class, but in English, we use 'fail' when we do not pass.

• ✗ I failed in the course last year.

  ✓ I failed the course last year.

  You fail a course directly; do not use the preposition 'in' after the verb 'fail' in this context.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If I skip any more lectures, I'm going to ___.

  💡 Not pass the class.

  Show answer

  fail the course

• She was devastated when she realized she would ___.

  💡 Receive an F for the entire class.

  Show answer

  fail the course