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

The department received additional penalties for improperly documenting training, failing to identify and evaluate the hazards of transporting and storing the ordnance, and leaving explosives unattended.

From Los Angeles Times

He should not be criticised for failing to shine as a false nine against Japan because it is a role he is unfamiliar with.

From BBC

Regulators in Beijing and local governments continue to offer policy support, costs are failing and the unit economics of market leaders are starting to break even, they say.

From The Wall Street Journal

These lakes are prone to failing because they are precariously dammed by walls made of frozen earth, rocks and ice created by the movement of a glacier.

From The Wall Street Journal

Congress is in recess this week after failing to fund the TSA.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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