“高考失利”可以翻译成英文为：

"Failed the Gaokao"

或者更自然一些的表达方式有：

"Didn't do well in the Gaokao"

"Failed to pass the Gaokao"

"Had a bad result in the Gaokao"

例句：

I was really disappointed because I failed the Gaokao.

（我因为高考失利而非常失望。）

Although I didn't do well in the Gaokao, I'm still determined to study abroad.

（虽然高考没考好，但我仍然决心出国留学。）

如果你是在写申请文书或个人陈述，也可以用更正式一点的说法：

"I faced challenges in my academic journey, including not performing as expected in the Gaokao."

需要根据具体语境选择合适的表达方式。需要我帮你润色句子吗？