failing

1 of 3

noun

fail·​ing ˈfā-liŋ How to pronounce failing (audio)
Synonyms of failingnext
: a usually slight or insignificant defect in character, conduct, or ability

failing

2 of 3

preposition

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

failing

3 of 3

present participle of fail entry 1

Synonyms of failing

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Noun

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The Army report highlighted how the air traffic controller at Reagan National Airport could have prevented the crash, but also acknowledged the military’s own failings and other contributing factors. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 The Army report highlighted how the air traffic controller in the tower at Reagan National Airport could have prevented the crash, but also acknowledged the military’s own failings. — Josh Funk, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 These reported failings include understaffing, undertrained employees, and failure to listen to parental concerns, the BBC reported at the time. — Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026 Sussman is inclined to see such preferences as further evidence of capitalism’s moral failings. — Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for failing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1590, in the meaning defined above

Preposition

1810, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of failing was in 1590

Phrases Containing failing

Rhymes for failing

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Browse Nearby Words

failance
failing
failing grade/mark
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Cite this Entry

“Failing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failing. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

failing

2 of 2 preposition
: in the absence or lack of
failing specific instructions, use your own judgment
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