failing

noun

fail·ing | \ ˈfā-liŋ

Definition of failing

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a usually slight or insignificant defect in character, conduct, or ability

failing

preposition

Definition of failing (Entry 2 of 2)

: in absence or default of failing specific instructions, use your own judgment

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about failing

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Synonyms & Antonyms for failing

Synonyms: Noun

demerit, dereliction, fault, foible, frailty, shortcoming, sin, vice, want, weakness

Antonyms: Noun

merit, virtue

Choose the Right Synonym for failing

Noun

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

The 14-person board, which has gone largely — and, in many minds, inappropriately — unscathed in a series of damning reports that detailed the failings of the federation, could be dismissed by a simple majority vote in Congress. — Eddie Pells, The Denver Post, "Overhaul would give Congress power to fire U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s entire board," 30 July 2019 The 14-person board, which has gone largely — and, in many minds, inappropriately — unscathed in a series of damning reports that detailed the failings of the federation, could be dismissed by a simple majority vote in Congress. — Eddie Pells, courant.com, "Overhaul would give Congress power to fire USOPC board," 30 July 2019 To circumvent their financial failings, Sport claim Juventus are prepared to offer one of Blaise Matuidi, Alex Sandro or Paulo Dybala to United as a makeweight in a deal for Pogba. — SI.com, "Juventus Offer Man Utd Choice of Three Stars in Exchange for Paul Pogba," 4 July 2019 For all its myriad policy failings, the one thing at which this White House has managed to excel is making life in America hell for brown people. — Jay Willis, GQ, "Making Life Hell for Brown Immigrants Is the One Thing The Administration Excels At," 25 May 2018 As title character John Nolan’s (Nathan Fillion) TO, Bishop became something of a mentor to Nolan, struggling with how his failings as a rookie might permanently hamper her dreams of being promoted to detective. — Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, "Afton Williamson says she left The Rookie because of 'racial discrimination' and 'bullying'," 4 Aug. 2019 In the decade since the financial crisis, there have been concerted efforts to address some of the biggest failings, particularly analysis of the financial sector. — Eshe Nelson, Quartz, "Economics needs to do more than attract women to solve its gender problem," 11 June 2019 The rotation was, and so in a way their failings have been even more damaging. — Chad Finn, BostonGlobe.com, "Nine analytical thoughts on why the Red Sox didn’t make any moves," 1 Aug. 2019 Taking a hard line approach and treating drug use as a moral failing won’t help people at risk. — courant.com, "Community News For The Vernon Edition," 25 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'failing.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for failing

failing

noun

English Language Learners Definition of failing

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a weakness or problem in a person's character, behavior, or ability

failing

preposition

English Language Learners Definition of failing (Entry 2 of 2)

formal : in the absence of (something)

See the full definition for failing in the English Language Learners Dictionary

failing

noun

fail·ing | \ ˈfā-ling

Kids Definition of failing

: a weakness or flaw in a person's character, behavior, or ability

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failing

Definition of failing

Synonyms & Antonyms for failing

Choose the Right Synonym for failing

Examples of failing in a Sentence

First Known Use of failing

English Language Learners Definition of failing

Kids Definition of failing

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