fail-safe

1 of 2

adjective

ˈfāl-ˌsāf 

1

: incorporating some feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an anticipated possible source of failure

2

: being or relating to a safeguard that prevents continuing on a bombing mission according to a preconceived plan

3

: having no chance of failure : infallibly problem-free

the little black dress … has consistently been the fail-safe solution for night

—Vogue

fail-safe

2 of 2

noun

: a device or measure that makes something fail-safe

Synonyms

Adjective

• can't-miss
• certain
• infallible
• sure
• surefire
• unfailing

Noun

• caution
• palladium
• precaution
• preventive
• safeguard

Examples of fail-safe in a Sentence

Adjective

flowers have been traditionally regarded as the fail-safe gift for Valentine's Day

Noun

there are so many fail-safes built into the system that a highly unlikely series of mistakes would have to be made before failure could occur

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

But shutting off the local media is hardly a fail-safe way to ward off scrutiny or protect one’s reputation. —Baltimore Sun Editorial Board, Baltimore Sun, 22 Nov. 2024

For a fail-safe choice, go for a white fabric liner constructed of polyester, canvas, or other natural fiber iterations (that are either mildew-resistant, water-repellent, and/or machine washable). —Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024

Noun

The idea was to make bank oversight both stricter and more fail-safe. —Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2023

Shop Now 10 Navy Blue In areas with strict historic guidelines, navy blue is often a fail-safe. —Elle Decor Editors, ELLE Decor, 17 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1975, in the meaning defined above