WordWeb Online

1. Disappointingly unsuccessful
   "their foiled attempt to capture Calais";
   - defeated, disappointed, discomfited, frustrated, thwarted, gutted [Brit, informal], crushed

1. Enhance by contrast
   "In this picture, the figures are foiled against the background"
    
2. Hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
   "foil your opponent";
   - thwart, queer [informal], spoil, scotch, cross, frustrate, baffle, bilk [informal], scupper [informal]
    
3. Cover or back with foil
   "foil mirrors"

See also: unsuccessful

Type of: contrast, counterpoint, cover, forbid, foreclose, forestall, preclude, prevent

Encyclopedia: Foiled