failing

[ fey-ling ]

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.

preposition

1. in the absence or default of:

   Failing payment, we shall sue.

failing

/ ˈfeɪlɪŋ /

noun

1. a weak point; flaw

preposition

1. used to express a condition in default of

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

Derived Forms

• ˈfailingly, adverb

Other Words From

• failing·ly adverb
• failing·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of failing¹

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

Synonym Study

See fault.

Example Sentences

Andrews was an especially egregious culprit, losing his dribble for one turnover and failing to get the ball inbounds within five seconds for another.

From Los Angeles Times

Instead they have floundered - failing to get on top of the new technical rules introduced for 2022.

From BBC

Around the same time, the opposition was moving to impeach cabinet members, mainly the head of the government audit agency, for failing to investigate the first lady.

From BBC

“These international bodies are failing people over and over again. Give me one example where they have succeeded at preventing war, whether it was in Iraq or Syria, Gaza and Israel, Congo or Ukraine.”

From BBC

On Monday, Barnier opted to push through controversial reforms to social security by invoking presidential decree after failing to win enough support for the measures.

From BBC