Fail Up
Fail up definition by Slang.net
This page explains what the slang term "Fail up" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been written and compiled by the Slang.net team.
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Workers who fail up are promoted despite constant mediocrity or failure. Failing up is a fairly common phenomenon in the business world - so common, in fact, that there's a slang term to describe it.
Those who fail up are likely sociable, confident, charming, and seemingly hard-working - all qualities that cover up their tendency to fail or misstep. They may also be skilled at spinning their failures as successes (or at least, as opportunities to grow).
Of course, not every worker who has failed and is later promoted is failing up in a negative sense. Sometimes, people fail at things, learn, and do truly come out better for it - ready to achieve greater success.