Rater, vtr : to fail, to ruin, to go wrong, to mess something up; to miss (usually something, rather than someone).

The French word « rater » looks almost the same as the English word “rate.”

The most common meaning of “rate” in English is “to evaluate, classify, give a rating to something;” it can also mean “a ratio or a measurement (as in birth rate), the speed or pace of something (as in a race), or a tax (as in property rates / taxes).”

In French, « rater » means “to fail, to ruin, to go wrong, to mess something up;” it can also mean “to miss something (as in a target, or a train).”

Ma fille a raté son examen et va devoir le repasser l’année prochaine.
My daughter failed her exam and will have to take it again next year.

Le four n’était pas chaud et j’ai raté mon gâteau.
My cake went wrong because the oven wasn’t hot.

Son train est en retard, il va rater son rendez-vous.
His train is late. He’s going to miss his appointment.