fallire

fail

verb fahl-LEE-reh Less Common

Origin: from Latin 'fallere' (to deceive)

Also means

go bankrupt

Usage Note

Fallire means both to fail at something and, in business, to go bankrupt: l'azienda è fallita. Beware it is a false friend of nothing but note its perfect tenses can take essere in the bankruptcy sense and avere when an attempt fails.

Examples

"Il progetto è fallito completamente."

Natural Translation

The project failed completely.

Literal Translation

The project is failed completely.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

Ti Amo vs Ti Voglio Bene: I Love You in Italian

Ti amo is romantic love; ti voglio bene is tender affection for family and close friends. Here's exactly who to say each phrase to in Italian.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Noun Gender: Rules, Endings & Exceptions

Italian noun gender decoded: -o is usually masculine, -a feminine, but -zione and -tà are feminine, -ore and -ma masculine. Plus the trap words to memorize.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

How to Order Coffee in Italy Like a Local

Order coffee in Italy like a local: say un caffè (not espresso), pay at the cassa first, drink al banco, and skip the latte trap. Phrases inside.

June 5, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Tu vs Lei: Formal & Informal "You" in Italian

When in doubt, use Lei. Here's exactly when to use tu vs Lei in Italian — the who-to-use-with map, the verb and possessive shifts, and how to switch politely.

June 5, 2026 6 min read