failing

1 of 2

noun

fail·​ing ˈfā-liŋ 

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

failing

2 of 2

preposition

: in absence or default of

failing specific instructions, use your own judgment

Synonyms of failing

Noun

• fault
• weakness
• shortcoming
• sin
• deficiency

Choose the Right Synonym for failing

fault, failing, frailty, foible, vice mean an imperfection or weakness of character.

fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit.

a writer of many virtues and few faults

failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character.

being late is a failing of mine

frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation.

human frailties

foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy.

an eccentric's charming foibles

vice can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others.

compulsive gambling was his vice

Examples of failing in a Sentence

Noun

He has some minor failings.

we could talk about your failings, but it would take all night

Preposition

Failing progress in the peace process, war seems likely.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Was Trump, reportedly livid over the Air Force One leak, concerned about the risk to security—or about the prospect of personal embarrassment due to the failings of a questionable gift that had cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars to upgrade? — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 18 July 2026

His troubles, his failings are not of his own making but of a world that is out of joint. — Book Marks, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026

Trump filed 62 lawsuits in court contesting the results in the weeks after the 2020 election, with each failing. — Joey Garrison, USA Today, 16 July 2026

Though her father has moved to Savannah in the faint hope of reviving his relationship with her and his grandchildren, Anna has wisely kept her distance from him, given his criminal past and his as-yet-unarticulated failings as a parent. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 10 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1590, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

1810, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing failing

• failing grade/mark
• failing that

Rhymes for failing

• ailing
• bailing
• baling
• flailing
• grayling
• hailing
• jailing
• mailing
• nailing
• paling
• railing
• sailing

Kids Definition

failing

1 of 2 noun

fail·​ing ˈfā-liŋ 

: weakness sense 2, shortcoming

failing

2 of 2 preposition

: in the absence or lack of

failing specific instructions, use your own judgment