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
Vogue
: a device or measure that makes something fail-safe
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
René Chávez Esparza,
Glamour,
14 June 2026
In response, energy companies and shippers are exploring options that could involve billions of dollars in investment in new pipelines, port expansions, and alternative (though hardly fail-safe) routes through the Red Sea.
—
Jonathan Lemire,
The Atlantic,
30 Apr. 2026
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
29 June 2026
Not to mention, the flattering waist tie and subtle side slit elevate your look ever so slightly without overwhelming, a fail-safe formula for chic European dressing.
—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fail-safe
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Adjective
Linen Bermuda shorts and wedge sandals are a fail-safe combination that’s not only fashionable but also embodies the spirit of summer with effortless elegance.
—
René Chávez Esparza,
Glamour,
14 June 2026
In response, energy companies and shippers are exploring options that could involve billions of dollars in investment in new pipelines, port expansions, and alternative (though hardly fail-safe) routes through the Red Sea.
—
Jonathan Lemire,
The Atlantic,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
It is backed by a 10-minute thermal buffer tank and a 72-hour emergency water reserve to ensure continuous, fail-safe climate control.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
29 June 2026
Not to mention, the flattering waist tie and subtle side slit elevate your look ever so slightly without overwhelming, a fail-safe formula for chic European dressing.
—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fail-safe
Cite this Entry
“Fail-safe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fail-safe. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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