failing

American  

[fey-ling] / ˈfeɪ lɪŋ /

noun

1. an act or instance of failing; failure.

   His failing is due to general incompetence.

2. a defect or fault; shortcoming; weakness.

   His lack of knowledge is a grave failing.

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preposition

1. in the absence or default of.

   Failing payment, we shall sue.

failing British  

/ ˈfeɪlɪŋ /

noun

1. a weak point; flaw

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preposition

1. (used to express a condition) in default of

   failing a solution this afternoon, the problem will have to wait until Monday

Related Words

See fault.

Other Word Forms

• failingly adverb
• failingness noun

Etymology

Origin of failing

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; fail, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Officials warned that failing sewers, power supplies and IT systems were causing an "unacceptable failure of critical services".

From BBC

Battered, bruised and well beaten, Smith had coughed up a horrendous blooper for Sale's sixth try, failing to gather a routine backfield ball to allow a chasing Raffi Quirke to dot down.

From BBC

Rightly criticised for failing to adapt to conditions earlier in the series, this was the perfect scenario for some Bazballing.

From BBC

Melodee had been reported missing weeks earlier after failing to return home from what investigators described as an “unusual” cross-country trip with her mother.

From Los Angeles Times

The final first-round group match featured teams seeking solace after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

From Barron's

Related Words

• defect
• deficiency
• drawback
• error
• failure
• fault
• flaw
• foible
• frailty
• imperfection
• weakness