This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, June 11, 2026 (43 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Thursday puzzles often have a trick, such as a rebus (several letters in one square) or answers that bend the rules.
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
F _ _ _
First and last letters
F _ _ L
Show the answer
About the answer
FAIL as a word: (intransitive) To be unsuccessful; (transitive) Not to achieve a particular stated goal. (Usage note: The direct object of this word is usually an infinitive.).
FAIL has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
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