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

The letter also accuses the company of failing to hire an independent environmental manager to regularly inspect its construction sites.

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At a certain point, the only way an employee can make sure they stand out is by other people failing around them.

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Unified, accusing the district of violating Proposition 28 by misusing state arts funding and failing to provide legally required arts instruction to students.

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The Republican and Democratic parties blame each other for failing to agree on a spending plan to reopen the government.

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Indian politicians and journalists have criticised the government for failing to speak out after female journalists were excluded from a press event with the Afghan Taliban foreign minister in Delhi.

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Related Words

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