failing

[ fey-ling ]

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.

preposition

1. in the absence or default of:

   Failing payment, we shall sue.

failing

/ ˈfeɪlɪŋ /

noun

1. a weak point; flaw

preposition

1. used to express a condition in default of

   failing a solution this afternoon, the problem will have to wait until Monday

Derived Forms

• ˈfailingly, adverb

Other Words From

• failing·ly adverb
• failing·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of failing¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; fail, -ing ¹

Synonym Study

See fault.

Example Sentences

"We hope it's possible to get ahead of the issue of failing weed control on the research and development side, because the cost of waiting until everything fails could be painful."

From Science Daily

“She’s a woman who is just as American as anyone else,” said De León, who went on to blast Congress for failing to pass comprehensive immigration laws.

From Los Angeles Times

The government has promised "effective intervention" where forces are shown to be failing - although details of what this means in practice have not yet been set out.

From BBC

Concacaf, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, opened an investigation and have taken action against Honduras for "failing to implement adequate stadium security measures".

From BBC

Then came more questions and more doubts after a sobering Nations League defeat in Ireland came in the wake of failing to reach the 2022 World Cup.

From BBC