diff --git a/scripts/gen-skill-docs.ts b/scripts/gen-skill-docs.ts
index 230d3cb05..3f37a97b2 100644
--- a/scripts/gen-skill-docs.ts
+++ b/scripts/gen-skill-docs.ts
@@ -1158,6 +1158,9 @@ if (!DRY_RUN) {
     } catch (err) {
       const msg = err instanceof Error ? err.message : String(err);
       console.error(`[gen-agents-digest] FAILED: ${msg}`);
+      // The digest is a committed freshness-gated artifact: a local build
+      // that silently ships it stale defers the red to CI. Fail the build.
+      process.exitCode = 1;
     }
   })();
 }