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

Noun

• demerit
• dereliction
• fault
• foible
• frailty
• shortcoming
• sin
• vice
• want
• weakness

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

At the same time, Blizzard has become emblematic of many of the industry’s biggest failings, from the shareholder pressures to prioritize monetization over creativity to the deep sexism that still pervades so much of gaming today. —Nilay Patel, The Verge, 3 Oct. 2024

The Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations published a memo Wednesday including new details about Boeing safety failings relating to the Alaska Airlines door plug incident in January. —Sam Sweeney, ABC News, 25 Sep. 2024

Rather than acknowledging the actual causes of today’s income-sapping inflation and high drug prices, far-leftists, such as millionaire socialist Senator Bernie Sanders, indulge in diversionary political theater to mask Democratic policy failings. —Steve Forbes, Forbes, 24 Sep. 2024

That’s scary enough on its own, but the reign of terror that follows is almost unbearable when read as well-deserved vengeance for the failings of a racist society — never finished casting Black people as villains. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2024

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

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