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failing

2 ENTRIES FOUND:
  1. failing
  2. fail

1fail·ing

noun \ˈfā-liŋ\

: a weakness or problem in a person's character, behavior, or ability

Full Definition of FAILING

:  a usually slight or insignificant defect in character, conduct, or ability
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Examples of FAILING

  1. He has some minor failings.
  2. <we could talk about your failings, but it would take all night>

First Known Use of FAILING

1590

Related to FAILING

Synonyms
demerit, dereliction, fault, foible, frailty, shortcoming, sin, vice, want, weakness
Antonyms
merit, virtue
See Synonym Discussion at fault

Rhymes with FAILING

grayling, mailing, paling, railing, sailing, tailing, veiling, whaling

2failing

preposition

: in the absence of (something)

Full Definition of FAILING

:  in absence or default of <failing specific instructions, use your own judgment>
See failing defined for English-language learners »

Examples of FAILING

  1. Failing progress in the peace process, war seems likely.

First Known Use of FAILING

1810

Learn More About FAILING

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