pass-fail

adjective

ˈpas-ˈfāl How to pronounce pass-fail (audio)
: being a system of grading whereby the grades "pass" and "fail" replace the traditional letter grades
pass-fail noun

Examples of pass-fail in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The test is scored on a pass-fail basis. — Luis Martinez, ABC News, 1 Oct. 2025 It was graded pass-fail, an unusual choice in HKU’s tradition. — Bryan Penprase, Forbes.com, 3 May 2026 Might Poles become the next Halas Hall leader to be called to the front of the room for a pass-fail performance review? — Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 9 Dec. 2024 The regime also requires students to write a pass-fail thesis called the Capstone, and defend it before a jury of professors. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 2 May 2026 On Sunday, undergraduate college officials announced students can avoid letter grades on their transcript and select a pass-fail option for up to two classes this semester. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 6 May 2024 Review status and pass-fail decisions are typically visible on developer accounts. — James Peckham, PC Magazine, 14 May 2025 Where adult data goes In many implementations, verification vendors — not the websites themselves — process and retain the identity information, returning only a pass-fail signal to the platform. — Barbara Booth, CNBC, 8 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pass-fail was in 1930

Rhymes for pass-fail

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Browse Nearby Words

pass examination
pass-fail
pass for
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pass-fail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pass-fail. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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