diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci.yml b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
index ec09a8e6..a986ca37 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -112,9 +112,12 @@ jobs:
     - linux-cross-check
     - apple-m1-check
     - lint
+    if: always() # always run even if dependencies fail
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     steps:
-    - run: echo "Tests pass"
+    # fail if ANY dependency has failed or been skipped or cancelled
+    - if: "contains(needs.*.result, 'failure') || contains(needs.*.result, 'skipped') || contains(needs.*.result, 'cancelled')"
+      run: exit 1
 
   # if everything succeeds and PR is ready for review, test the release/package process
   release-builds: