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

“But here is the critical distinction that the market is failing to make: a narrower moat does not mean zero terminal value,” he says.

From MarketWatch

The church had previous accused successive governments of failing to identify the masterminds behind the bombings.

From Barron's

NHS England - which commissioned a review that revealed a number of serious failings in Calocane's mental healthcare also apologised to the victims' families and the survivors.

From BBC

The Met confirmed it had not taken disciplinary action against anyone for failing to declare their membership.

From BBC

Not everyone who has dementia lacks testamentary capacity, but your relative’s failing health and cognitive issues certainly complicate matters.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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