failing
Americannoun
-
an act or instance of failing; failure.
His failing is due to general incompetence.
-
a defect or fault; shortcoming; weakness.
His lack of knowledge is a grave failing.
preposition
noun
preposition
Synonym Usage
See fault.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of failing
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; see origin at fail, -ing 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
About 600,000 people still get water from systems that state regulators say are failing to meet safe drinking water standards.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
In April, EU regulators found Meta was failing to keep under-13s off its Facebook and Instagram platforms in breach of the bloc's digital content rules.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
He also faced criticism from his rivals for failing to offer detailed housing and healthcare policies.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
The company has come under fire from some child safety advocates for failing to do enough to protect kids.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
“I’m afraid it will be too disagreeable to you,” said Meg, trying to look offended and failing entirely.
From "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
