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

Symptoms like weight gain, acne, irregular periods, infertility and excess hair growth have often been treated as personal failings rather than medical signs. —Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026

Burnout is often framed in the workplace as an individual failing of stress management, to be solved with better self-care practices or wellness perks. —Paula Davis, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026

More bailouts would paper over the failings of federal regulation. —Marc Scribner, Washington Post, 13 May 2026

As well as the impact of the attack, being caught up in the pre-game crush outside Stade de France had triggered horrendous memories of being on the Leppings Lane end at Hillsborough in 1989, which claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool supporters due to the organisational failings of the authorities. —James Pearce, New York Times, 12 May 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