failing

1 of 2

noun

fail·​ing ˈfā-liŋ How to pronounce failing (audio)
: 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
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
Dunleavy, who has never been to Afghanistan but grew interested in the war when his brother deployed, co-authored a book about the evacuation and came to the GOP's investigation with strong convictions about Biden's failings. Dan Lamothe and Abigail Hauslohner The Washington Post, arkansasonline.com, 8 Sep. 2024 Long known for his ability to land a one-liner with a style that was both comedically ruthless and deeply human, he was also admired for acknowledging his own failings and vulnerability. Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2024 Credit Reynolds for finding chatty sweetness in his masked assassin — and for giving new life to the film series by embracing the intrinsic humor of the franchise's junky failings. Nick Romano, EW.com, 26 July 2024 Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has pointed to inflation as a key failing of the Biden administration along with its its energy policies. Zeke Miller, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for failing 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'failing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1590, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of failing was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near failing

Cite this Entry

“Failing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failing. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

failing

1 of 2 noun
fail·​ing ˈfā-liŋ How to pronounce failing (audio)

failing

2 of 2 preposition
: in the absence or lack of
failing specific instructions, use your own judgment

More from Merriam-Webster on failing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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