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.
Examples of failing that in a Sentence
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Goal difference might be the deciding factor or goals scored or, failing that a team’s fair play record.
—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for failing that
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Phil Hay,
New York Times,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for failing that
Cite this Entry
“Failing that.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failing%20that. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.
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