Definition of failing
: a usually slight or insignificant defect in character, conduct, or ability
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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
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The one-sided love affair has all the heart expected, and all the inevitable failings as well.
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The profession’s failings in this regard almost certainly influence the quality and focus of economic research.
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In the United States, bidets recalled all kinds of feminine failings: women’s sexuality, women’s unwanted pregnancies, and women’s biology.
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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.
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In a recent debate, Cordray blamed Republicans for their failings in tackling the drug problem.
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Meanwhile, an increasing number of criminal justice officials openly acknowledge their system's failings.
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Unlike my children, my books are cruelly unforgiving of my weaknesses, failings, and flaws of character.
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Historically, Americans have viewed and treated substance use disorders as moral failings and criminal issues.
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
failing Synonyms
Synonyms
demerit, dereliction, fault, foible, frailty, shortcoming, sin, vice, want, weakness;
Related Words
blemish, deficiency, flaw, imperfection, minus, nit;
corruption, depravity, evil, immorality, sinfulness, wickedness;
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.
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- a writer of many virtues and few faults
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- being late is a failing of mine
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- human frailties
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- an eccentric's charming foibles
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- compulsive gambling was his vice
Definition of failing
: in absence or default of
- failing specific instructions, use your own judgment
Examples of failing in a Sentence
Failing progress in the peace process, war seems likely.
First Known Use of failing
1810
FAILING Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of failing for English Language Learners
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: a weakness or problem in a person's character, behavior, or ability
failing
Definition of failing for English Language Learners
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: in the absence of (something)
FAILING Defined for Kids
Definition of failing for Students
: a weakness or flaw in a person's character, behavior, or ability
Learn More about failing
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See words that rhyme with failing Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for failing Spanish Central: Translation of failing Nglish: Translation of failing for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of failing for Arabic speakers
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