failing

1 of 3

noun

fail·​ing ˈfā-liŋ 

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

failing

2 of 3

preposition

: in absence or default of

failing specific instructions, use your own judgment

failing

3 of 3

present participle of fail entry 1

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

Modern interpreters have read his 10 heads as signifying his vast knowledge of 10 sacred texts, or alternately his 10 ethical failings, but the Ramayana account describes him as 10-headed from birth. — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

The instinct for many researchers is to treat uncertainty as a failing, something to paper over before anyone notices. — Aleeza Gerstein, The Conversation, 28 Aug. 2026

Cycling’s stakeholders must reflect on failings that led to Fin Tarling’s death. — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Rather than treating a tired parent’s short fuse as a personal failing, the research suggests sleep, stress and parenting operate as part of a larger system. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 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