as in weaknesses
a defect in character
we could talk about your failings, but it would take all night
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Recent Examples of failings
More bailouts would paper over the failings of federal regulation.
—
Marc Scribner, Washington Post, 13 May 2026
As well as the impact of the attack, being caught up in the pre-game crush outside Stade de France had triggered horrendous memories of being on the Leppings Lane end at Hillsborough in 1989, which claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool supporters due to the organisational failings of the authorities.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Smith then humorously highlighted how Skip Bayless has crashed out over the years due to Cowboys’ playoff collapses and other failings by throwing jerseys and other merchandise away.
—Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
The previous Lord of the Flies adaptations, whatever their failings otherwise, were similarly showcases for casting discoveries.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 May 2026
There were serious failings by multiple agencies.
—Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026
Now it had been relegated again to a leftist cause, a symbol of anti-imperial resistance for some and the face of communism’s failings for others.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
The owner of the daycare, and the center itself, are also due to be sentenced after admitting safety failings, per the BBC and The Independent.
—Adam England, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Isolated by its beautiful, rugged mountains, West Virginia sits entirely within Appalachia and has long been listed at the bottom of a laundry list of failings, including poor health and a lack of education.
—ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
Marc Scribner, Washington Post, 13 May 2026
As well as the impact of the attack, being caught up in the pre-game crush outside Stade de France had triggered horrendous memories of being on the Leppings Lane end at Hillsborough in 1989, which claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool supporters due to the organisational failings of the authorities.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 12 May 2026
Smith then humorously highlighted how Skip Bayless has crashed out over the years due to Cowboys’ playoff collapses and other failings by throwing jerseys and other merchandise away.
—Jon Root Outkick, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2026
The previous Lord of the Flies adaptations, whatever their failings otherwise, were similarly showcases for casting discoveries.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 May 2026
There were serious failings by multiple agencies.
—Philissa Cramer, Sun Sentinel, 4 May 2026
Now it had been relegated again to a leftist cause, a symbol of anti-imperial resistance for some and the face of communism’s failings for others.
—Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
The owner of the daycare, and the center itself, are also due to be sentenced after admitting safety failings, per the BBC and The Independent.
—Adam England, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026
Isolated by its beautiful, rugged mountains, West Virginia sits entirely within Appalachia and has long been listed at the bottom of a laundry list of failings, including poor health and a lack of education.
—ABC News, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for failings
Noun
-
The problem is having a setup around him that simultaneously platforms his strengths and covers for his weaknesses.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
What are your true emotional and mental weaknesses?—
Terry Terrones,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
The ongoing war in Iran could also seriously complicate cable repair attempts as maintenance vessels must remain stationary for extended periods while fixing faults, experts say.—
Mostafa Salem,
CNN Money,
17 May 2026
-
The researchers also say the study highlights how fluids inside faults can strongly influence earthquake behavior, something scientists are increasingly recognizing as a key factor in seismic activity.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Genius and grit can mask a lot of sins.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
18 May 2026
-
The Orson subplot feels like the show is shooting one too many fish in the barrel, because the sins of the grown-ups provide enough targets on their own.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
17 May 2026
Noun
-
The checklist included all her shortcomings, physical and otherwise.—
Erin Entrada Kelly,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
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Heirloom cherry tomatoes have a shorter shelf life than hybrids, but their flavor overrides their shortcomings.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Failings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/failings. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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