Ausgefallen

Ausgefallen is a German word that appears as both an adjective and a past participle of the verb ausfallen. As an adjective, ausgefallen means unusual, distinctive, or striking in a way that stands out from the ordinary. It is often used to describe fashion, design, or ideas that are unconventional or creative. As a past participle, ausgefallen forms phrases like ist ausgefallen or hat ausgefallen and refers to something that did not occur or did not take place, such as an event, plan, or system failure.

Etymologically, ausgefallen combines aus- meaning “out” with fallen meaning “to fall,” reflecting a sense of something that has fallen out or failed to occur. The sense of a noticeable deviation from the normal or expected is closely related in both uses. The word has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch uitvallen, and parallels in English with fall out or to fall through.

Usage notes: In everyday speech, ausgefallen as an adjective often carries a positive nuance, implying creativity or originality, for example, ein ausgefallenes Kleid (an unusual, eye-catching dress) or ein ausgefallener Stil (an unconventional style). In its verbal sense, it is common in contexts like Der Termin ist ausgefallen (The appointment has been canceled) or Die Maschine fällt aus (The machine fails or breaks down).

See also: ausfallen (verb) and its various meanings, including cancellation, failure, or falling out.