Fail-safe — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈfāl-ˌsāf/

Meaning & Definition of Fail-safe

Fail-safe (adjective)

  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

Fail-safe (noun)

  1. a device or measure that makes something fail-safe

Fail-safe (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not likely to fail

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

    opposite: fallible

Fail-safe (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a measure taken to preclude loss or injury

    "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"

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Fail-safe

The most common words with a similar meaning to Fail-safe:

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Fail-safe

Words with the opposite meaning of Fail-safe:

Near Antonyms of Fail-safe

Origin & Etymology of Fail-safe

First known use: 1931

Frequently Asked Questions about Fail-safe

What does "Fail-safe" mean?

"Fail-safe" means incorporating some feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an anticipated possible source of failure. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: incorporating some feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an anticipated possible source of failure. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Fail-safe"?

Other words for "Fail-safe" include can't-miss, certain, infallible, sure, surefire, unfailing, caution and palladium. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Fail-safe" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Fail-safe"?

There are 23 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Fail-safe". Common alternatives include can't-miss, certain, infallible, sure, surefire, unfailing, caution, palladium, precaution and preventive.

What is the opposite of "Fail-safe"?

Antonyms of "Fail-safe" include fallible. Near antonyms include doubtful, questionable and uncertain.

How do you use "Fail-safe" in a sentence?

Examples of "Fail-safe" in a sentence: "flowers have been traditionally regarded as the fail-safe gift for Valentine's Day"; "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".

Is "Fail-safe" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Fail-safe" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Fail-safe"?

"Fail-safe" is pronounced /ˈfāl-ˌsāf/.

What is the origin of the word "Fail-safe"?

First known use: 1931.