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

Does the actor looking older than her 21 years (a notion that is, of course, entirely subjective) infer some kind of moral failing? —Morgan Fargo, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025

Supervisors cited this as one example of the unit’s failings. —Donna McGuire, Cummings, and Glenn E. Rice, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2025

The study framed their feelings as internal failings rather than responses to external pressures, such as patriarchy and white supremacy, which drive perfectionism. —Shari Dunn, TIME, 25 Feb. 2025

Hockey just isn’t like baseball or football, where assistants or coordinators get dumped midseason for failings on either side of the ball. —Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 18 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for failing

• ailing
• bailing
• baling
• flailing
• grayling
• hailing
• jailing
• mailing
• nailing
• paling
• railing
• sailing

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