failing

1 of 2

noun

fail·​ing ˈfā-liŋ 

: a usually slight or insignificant defect in character, conduct, or ability

failing

2 of 2

preposition

: in absence or default of

failing specific instructions, use your own judgment

Synonyms

Noun

• demerit
• dereliction
• fault
• foible
• frailty
• shortcoming
• sin
• vice
• want
• weakness

Choose the Right Synonym for failing

fault, failing, frailty, foible, vice mean an imperfection or weakness of character.

fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit.

a writer of many virtues and few faults

failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character.

being late is a failing of mine

frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation.

human frailties

foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy.

an eccentric's charming foibles

vice can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others.

compulsive gambling was his vice

Examples of failing in a Sentence

Noun

He has some minor failings.

we could talk about your failings, but it would take all night

Preposition

Failing progress in the peace process, war seems likely.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The incident and subsequent reports on safety failings by ride operators led to the Tyre Sampson Act, a pair of bills unanimously approved by the Florida Legislature in 2023 that closed gaps in ride safety laws. —Cristóbal Reyes, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Dec. 2024

The rise of a more populist GOP and the growing sense that the right must confront the failings of higher education means that things are likely to go very differently in a second Trump administration. —Frederick Hess, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

Loading your audio article The head of the Secret Service sparred with a Republican lawmaker at a contentious congressional hearing into security failings that led to the deadly assassination attempt against President-elect Donald Trump. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 5 Dec. 2024

At his end-of-season news conference, Hoyer acknowledged his failings in building his 2024 bullpen and promised to add more depth to the unit. —Sahadev Sharma, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1590, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

1810, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing failing

• failing grade/mark
• failing that

Kids Definition

failing

1 of 2 noun

fail·​ing ˈfā-liŋ 

: weakness sense 2, shortcoming

failing

2 of 2 preposition

: in the absence or lack of

failing specific instructions, use your own judgment