failing

noun fail·ing \ ˈfā-liŋ \

|Updated on: 10 Jun 2018

Tip: Synonym Guide

Examples: failing in a Sentence

Definition of failing

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

See failing defined for English-language learners

See failing defined for kids

Examples of failing in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of failing from the Web

The one-sided love affair has all the heart expected, and all the inevitable failings as well.

— refinery29.com, "Little Women Review: If You Love The Novel, You’ll Love The Miniseries," 11 May 2018
The profession’s failings in this regard almost certainly influence the quality and focus of economic research.

— The Economist, "Barriers to entry," 10 May 2018
In the United States, bidets recalled all kinds of feminine failings: women’s sexuality, women’s unwanted pregnancies, and women’s biology.

— maria teresa hart, The Atlantic, "The Bidet's Revival," 18 Mar. 2018
All that said, the quality of Boosted's boards is unmatched so far, and the Mini's many minor failings feel more like the necessary compromises of tackling a genuinely near-impossible engineering challenge.

— eric limer, Popular Mechanics, "The Boosted Mini Is a Hell of a Ride, Except for One Thing," 14 May 2018
In a recent debate, Cordray blamed Republicans for their failings in tackling the drug problem.

— jessie balmert, Cincinnati.com, "These front-runners for Ohio governor don't want to tell you what they'd do in office," 4 May 2018
Meanwhile, an increasing number of criminal justice officials openly acknowledge their system's failings.

— michael gordon and jim morrill, charlotteobserver, "In the Mecklenburg DA's race, will it be an insider or outsider job? | Charlotte Observer," 30 Apr. 2018
Unlike my children, my books are cruelly unforgiving of my weaknesses, failings, and flaws of character.

— michael chabon, GQ, "Michael Chabon: Are Kids the Enemy of Writing?," 27 Apr. 2018
Historically, Americans have viewed and treated substance use disorders as moral failings and criminal issues.

— courtenay harris bond, Philly.com, "People taking medication to treat opioid addiction face stigma that they're not 'fully recovered'," 10 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'failing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of failing

1590

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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failing Synonyms

Phrases

feet of clay;

Synonym Discussion of 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.