FAILING Synonyms: 204 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'failing' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of failing are fault , foible , frailty , and vice . While all these words mean "an imperfection or weakness of character," failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character. // being late is a failing of mine

Q: When might 'fault' be a better fit than 'failing'?

The synonyms fault and failing are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Q: When is 'foible' a more appropriate choice than 'failing'?

While in some cases nearly identical to failing , foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy. // an eccentric's charming foibles

Q: When could 'frailty' be used to replace 'failing'?

The words frailty and failing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation. // human frailties

Q: When would 'vice' be a good substitute for 'failing'?

Although the words vice and failing have much in common, 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

failing 1 of 3

noun

ˈfā-liŋ

Definition of failing next

as in fault

a defect in character we could talk about your failings, but it would take all night

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

failing

2 of 3

adjective

as in dying

Related Words

failing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of fail

as in crashing

to stop functioning my car failed just as I was about to head to work

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starting (up)

as in collapsing

to be unsuccessful despite all the publicity, the movie failed miserably at the box office

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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

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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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as in forgetting

to miss the opportunity or obligation failed to mention that he was looking for new job

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun failing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of failing are fault, foible, frailty, and vice. While all these words mean "an imperfection or weakness of character," failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character.

being late is a failing of mine

When might fault be a better fit than failing?

The synonyms fault and failing are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When is foible a more appropriate choice than failing?

While in some cases nearly identical to failing, foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy.

an eccentric's charming foibles

When could frailty be used to replace failing?

The words frailty and failing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation.

human frailties

When would vice be a good substitute for failing?

Although the words vice and failing have much in common, 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

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of failing

Noun

The rapid turnover is not simply the result of individual failings or political misfortune, although those have no doubt played a part. —

Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 May 2026 Symptoms like weight gain, acne, irregular periods, infertility and excess hair growth have often been treated as personal failings rather than medical signs. —

Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 19 May 2026

Adjective

The state graded the campus an F for three consecutive years, meaning two more failing grades could trigger an intervention. —

Noah Alcala Bach, San Antonio Express-News, 1 Jan. 2026

Verb

So far, this election has been light on the specifics, but the state faces real problems — from a failing healthcare system to gas prices that literally mystify even lawmakers. —

Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026 Despite one engine failing to ignite at liftoff, the rocket climbed successfully and completed stage separation high above the Gulf. —

Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 23 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for failing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for failing

Noun

California has over 500 active faults, but scientists cannot predict when earthquakes will occur.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 4 June 2026
The investigation hasn’t definitively concluded that Vision Media is at fault.

— Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026