French dictionary

faillir/fo/

verb · B2 · Frequency 1474

verb

to almost do something
Typically used to express that something almost happened, followed by an infinitive.
to fail in, to be remiss
Used with faillir à: to fail in one’s duty, break one’s word.

Faillir perdre son emploi l'a incité à reprendre ses études.
Almost losing his job prompted him to resume his studies.
Faillir à ses engagements peut détruire la confiance des clients.
Failing to honor one's commitments can destroy customers' trust.
Refuser d'aider un collègue dans cette situation, c'est faillir à son devoir.
Refusing to help a colleague in this situation means failing in one's duty.

When faillir expresses an action that almost happened, it is followed by an infinitive.