Synonyms

failing

American

[fey-ling] / ˈfeɪ lɪŋ /

noun

an act or instance of failing; failure.

His failing is due to general incompetence.
a defect or fault; shortcoming; weakness.

His lack of knowledge is a grave failing.

preposition

in the absence or default of.

Failing payment, we shall sue.

failing British

/ ˈfeɪlɪŋ /

noun

a weak point; flaw

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

preposition

(used to express a condition) in default of

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Both men have admitted failings on this tour and expressed their desire to stay.

From BBC

It is his new normal, along with the daily blackouts, the failing healthcare system, the trash piled high along the streets, and his aching joints from the mosquito-borne illnesses that have plagued the island.

From The Wall Street Journal

It also accuses managers of failing to stop such behaviour.

From BBC

Sir David's daughter said that during her meeting with the home secretary today, she was told a public inquiry was granted when there was a "mass failing of the state".

From BBC

But failing to meet that bar will leave him with nothing.

From MarketWatch

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023