failing that

phrase

formal
: if something (already specified) does not happen or succeed
We could try to persuade them by arguing or, failing that, we could threaten to cancel the deal.

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Cite this Entry

“Failing that.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failing%20that. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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