failing
Americannoun
-
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
noun
preposition
Synonym Usage
See fault.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of failing
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; see origin at 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.
The World Cup begins in North America on Thursday but China won't be there after failing to qualify once again, leaving their sole appearance back in 2002.
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
Scientists believe a single solar panel failing to fully deploy blocked the communications antenna, leading to a loss of contact.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
He also faced criticism from his rivals for failing to offer detailed housing and healthcare policies.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
Berlin will no longer pursue building and ordering the aircraft after failing to resolve a spat between Airbus and Dassault over which should take the lead on its development, a senior German government official said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
Maybe I was afraid of making an all-out effort and then failing.
From "Courage to Soar" by Simone Biles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
