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

The log of these exchanges could reveal if there were any indications that the sub was failing.

From BBC

His comments come after Algeria's Imane Khelif won women's welterweight boxing gold at the Paris Games in the summer, a year after being disqualified from the World Championships for reportedly failing gender eligibility tests.

From BBC

Jack Crowley has been retained at fly-half despite Ireland's attack failing to fire against New Zealand.

From BBC

Israel says it has substantially increased the amount of aid getting into Gaza, and accuses aid agencies of failing adequately to distribute it.

From BBC

Failing hospitals will be revealed in league tables and NHS managers sacked if they do not turn things around, the health secretary will tell health leaders at a conference in Liverpool.

From BBC