as in fault
a defect in character
we could talk about your failings, but it would take all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in crashing
to stop functioning
my car failed just as I was about to head to work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in collapsing
to be unsuccessful
despite all the publicity, the movie failed miserably at the box office
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disappointing
to fall short in satisfying the expectation or hope of
although the minor-league franchise continues to fail local fans, hope springs eternal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in weakening
to lose bodily strength or vigor
ever since she reached the age of 90, Grandma has been noticeably failing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in forgetting
to miss the opportunity or obligation
failed to mention that he was looking for new job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in dying
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of failing
Steve Madeley, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
The Broncos' late failings weren't entirely on Sean Payton, who was trending towards an F here before unleashing fire and fury on the Chargers with the Nix-to-Sutton fake pitch at the end of the first half.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025
Madeline Armstrong, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
But the Rockies, fielding an anemic offense and failing to build a dynamic roster, have not posted a winning record at home since 2022.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for failing
Verb
The inquest is expected to consider some or all of the concerns that were raised at the time and reported by The Athletic in the immediate aftermath, with multiple eyewitnesses alleging failings in the care provided by Sheffield Wednesday and its medical services.
—Steve Madeley, New York Times, 28 Sep. 2025
The Broncos' late failings weren't entirely on Sean Payton, who was trending towards an F here before unleashing fire and fury on the Chargers with the Nix-to-Sutton fake pitch at the end of the first half.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 22 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Ultimately, 12 adults and two juveniles were arrested by the LAPD for failing to comply with dispersal orders, CBS Los Angeles reported.
—Madeline Armstrong, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025
But the Rockies, fielding an anemic offense and failing to build a dynamic roster, have not posted a winning record at home since 2022.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 18 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for failing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for failing
Noun
-
Who’s ultimately at fault here?—
R. Eric Thomas,
Denver Post,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Incidentally, their friend Jesus’ relapse a few years ago isn’t Lee’s fault, but, as Wendell reminds him, Lee was supposed to check on him that day.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
His goal to seal the win against Italy — a lung-busting run and cultured finish in the dying moments — helped to illustrate the impressive engine at the heart of Cremaschi’s game.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Before dying under the weight of the boulder, the spell caster cursed the princess, her family, and the city.—
Sophie Friedman,
AFAR Media,
22 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The rare, direct foreign intervention, which will take the form of a currency swap, is aimed at boosting a collapsing peso and calming market volatility ahead of Argentina’s midterm elections later this month.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
14 Oct. 2025
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Rising delinquency rates among other concerns, recently led to subprime auto lender Tricolor unexpectedly collapsing.—
Michael Wayland,
CNBC,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
However, the company didn't raise its 2025 forecast, disappointing some investors.—
Seema Mody,
CNBC,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Apple is betting that the new models will bolster demand after disappointing iPad sales in the June quarter.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Washington — The Federal Reserve was already facing one of its most difficult battles, steering a shifting economy through a weakening labor market and stubborn inflation.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
22 Oct. 2025
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Far from expanding opportunity, this excessive wealth locks millions out of the chance to innovate and build, weakening growth for all.—
Scott Ellis,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Some of them vanish to Florida, and the others spend four straight days in their pajamas eating pizza rolls, playing Minecraft and forgetting how to read.—
Mark Glende,
Twin Cities,
15 Oct. 2025
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So, maintaining a certain level of trust, while also being skeptical, and not forgetting to check in with ourselves as well.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
While pruning, remove any winter damage, along with dead and declining growths, to allow new shoots to reform the plant.—
Tom MacCubbin,
orlandosentinel.com,
6 Mar. 2021
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In order to reopen, counties must demonstrate declining prevalence of COVID-19, testing ability of 30 tests per 10,000 residents per week, contact tracing and isolation facilities.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
15 May 2020
Noun
-
That humility will always prevail over ego, kindness isn’t a form of weakness, and true happiness isn’t measured by what’s in your bank account or even by the empty rows of your refrigerator.—
Christopher Kamrani,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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How does the relative length of our haunting reflect our collective moral strengths and weaknesses?—
Jay Caspian Kang,
New Yorker,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Failing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/failing. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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