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

Private clinics, however, say they are improving people's lives by offering a service that the NHS is failing to provide.

From BBC

The 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1 after failing to show up at a friend’s house, where they had planned to livestream their church’s service.

From Salon

One high-profile incident occurred in October, when rescuers were shown failing to open the doors of a burning electric vehicle in the southwestern city of Chengdu.

From Barron's

The suit alleged that Sam and his co-pilot had made critical errors that contributed to the crash, including failing to react to a traffic warning and failing to see and avoid the helicopter.

From The Wall Street Journal

More than 40 parents attended Thursday’s protest, an event organized by Heat Initiative, an advocacy group that focuses on holding tech companies accountable for failing to protect kids online.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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