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

One of the worst failings of a manager entails asking for feedback and then entirely ignoring it. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

But the ultimate failings of each of these franchises can be traced directly to dreadful decisions from above. —Mike Jones, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

Attempts by other candidates to highlight her personal failings generally didn’t work, in part because those candidates had plenty of problems of their own. —Peter Hessler, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025

The duty of an obituarist is not to avoid speaking any ill of the dead — this would often demand dishonesty — but to approach the recently departed with a sense of charity, emphasizing his virtues and not dwelling with undue vindictiveness upon his failings. —Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 30 Dec. 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