failing that
idiom
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.
Examples of failing that in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Try to speak with her alone — or, failing that, address a note only to her.
—
Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 20 June 2024
Or, failing that, throw it deep into the garbage where pets can’t get to it.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2024
Best to solicit a woman for constructive fashion opinions, or failing that, children, who will be brutally honest with theirs.
—Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2024
For decades, you would have been laughed out of business school for failing that one.
—Alan Murray, Fortune, 26 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for failing that 
Judith Martin, The Mercury News, 20 June 2024
Or, failing that, throw it deep into the garbage where pets can’t get to it.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2024
Best to solicit a woman for constructive fashion opinions, or failing that, children, who will be brutally honest with theirs.
—Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 17 Apr. 2024
For decades, you would have been laughed out of business school for failing that one.
—Alan Murray, Fortune, 26 Jan. 2024
See all Example Sentences for failing that
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'failing that.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near failing that
Cite this Entry
“Failing that.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failing%20that. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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