failing

1 of 2

noun

fail·ing ˈfā-liŋ

Synonyms of failing next

: 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

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

Example Sentences

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

The records help to dispel the many conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein’s suicide, underscoring how fundamental failings at the Bureau of Prisons — including severe staffing shortages and employees cutting corners — contributed to Epstein’s death. —

Michael R. Sisak, Anchorage Daily News, 2 June 2023 The records help to dispel the many conspiracy theories surrounding Epstein's suicide, underscoring how fundamental failings at the Bureau of Prisons - including severe staffing shortages and employees cutting corners - contributed to Epstein's death. —

CBS News, 2 June 2023 Ivanishvili’s lawyers Cavinder Bull and Woo Shu Yan from the law firm Drew & Napier said Credit Suisse Trust’s failings had led to fraudulent mismanagement and substantial losses. —

Reuters, CNN, 26 May 2023 In the dogmatic world of architectural practice, where deviation from modernist orthodoxy can be seen as almost a moral failing, there are those for whom that will not be a sufficient answer. —

Mark Lamster, Dallas News, 3 May 2023 Although there’s still stigma, misconceptions and discrimination tied to both conditions, these imperfect-yet-specific labels can validate what neurodivergent people have sensed about themselves all along — that this is just how they’re wired, and that their challenges aren’t a personal failing. —

Laura Newberry, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2023 The president rails against a deterioration of family values in the United States and paints addiction as a moral failing. —

Christopher Sherman And Mark Stevenson, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2023 Many analysts see Russia’s conduct at the United Nations as more evidence of the failings of the institution. —

Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2023 At one point, the lights turn on the audience as Tess confronts the failings of the legal system, how victims are further victimized on trial and forced to recount their assault, over and over again, flawlessly, doubtlessly, in order to win some semblance of justice. —

Lester Fabian Brathwaite, EW.com, 24 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'failing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.