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

Five people were arrested for failing to disperse, Coss said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

They do not mesh well at first, in part because of problems in their personal lives—in Ryan’s case, a failing career back home because he wouldn’t join his colleagues in taking a payoff.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Nimale said the optics of the Olympics promising affordable tickets to local residents but on some counts failing to deliver show a need for a different system.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

He said the Home Office "made manifest errors", including failing to provide "appropriate and sufficient reasons to justify" awarding the contract to MTC.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

I think of the parks and the restaurants, of the pleasantries I'll never use on the friends I am failing to make.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Related Words

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