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

Other Word Forms

• failingly adverb
• failingness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of failing¹

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

Synonym Study

See fault.

Example Sentences

While Liverpool's results were impressive at the start, problems were evident with new signings struggling to settle and players who stood out last season failing to offer the same quality and contribution.

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Rosario Castro, a victim of the failings and a member of Amama, dismissed the authorities' response as wholly inadequate.

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Workday dropped 5.5% after the human resources software provider reported third-quarter revenue that was in line with expectations, failing to reassure investors who were worried about weakening demand.

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Workday dropped 5.5% after the human resources software provider reported third-quarter revenue that was in line with expectations, failing to reassure investors who were worried about weakening demand.

Read more on Barron's

Workday dropped 5.5% after the human resources software provider reported third-quarter revenue that was in line with expectations, failing to reassure investors who were worried about weakening demand.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

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