failing

1 of 2

noun

fail·​ing ˈfā-liŋ How to pronounce failing (audio)
: 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
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
If the continuity, cohesion and familiarity offered by those who stayed does not prove enough to keep Leeds in the league, the inability to sell efficiently in the summer window will be seen as one of the failings. Beren Cross, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025 Thailand under Anutin will try to depart from Pheu Thai’s failings as much as possible, says Cogan. Chad De Guzman, Time, 5 Sep. 2025 Being fat is not a moral failing for which people should be punished. Zach Wichter, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025 To the communists, the army – and its failings – were the product of the corrupt government under Chiang. Meredith Oyen, The Conversation, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for failing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1590, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of failing was in 1590

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Failing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failing. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

failing

1 of 2 noun
fail·​ing ˈfā-liŋ How to pronounce failing (audio)

failing

2 of 2 preposition
: in the absence or lack of
failing specific instructions, use your own judgment

More from Merriam-Webster on failing

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