: a usually slight or insignificant defect in character, conduct, or ability
: in absence or default of
failing specific instructions, use your own judgment
Synonyms
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
Mairav Zonszein, TIME, 4 Apr. 2024
The labyrinthine plot is where the series is at its weakest, though that’s more a hallmark of the genre than any failing of this particular show.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2024
His reunion with Albert, now working largely in kids’ TV, seems largely an excuse to haughtily compare their achievements; Albert retaliates by listing the failings of Blake’s personal life, an estranged son among them.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Mar. 2024
Much of Winfrey’s special discussed people’s personal experiences with weight loss, including mental shifts in thinking of obesity as a disease rather than a moral failing.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2024
An investigation:Obesity was long considered a personal failing.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024
All of these businesses were later convicted of health and safety failings, but only the three companies cited by Judge Thomas were ordered to pay reparations.
—Natasha Frost, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024
The list of policy failings on Secretary Mayorkas’ watch is extraordinarily long and their consequences for American states, cities, and families are tragic.
—Mike Garcia, Orange County Register, 2 Feb. 2024
Alice & Jack embeds its defense of its failings right in its dialogue.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2024
Noun
Intentionally or not, keeping international attention fixed on southern Gaza draws attention away from the catastrophic situation unfolding in northern Gaza, where Palestinians face mass starvation, and where breakdowns in order display the failings (or features) of Israel’s war strategy.
—Mairav Zonszein, TIME, 4 Apr. 2024
The labyrinthine plot is where the series is at its weakest, though that’s more a hallmark of the genre than any failing of this particular show.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 28 Mar. 2024
His reunion with Albert, now working largely in kids’ TV, seems largely an excuse to haughtily compare their achievements; Albert retaliates by listing the failings of Blake’s personal life, an estranged son among them.
—Guy Lodge, Variety, 25 Mar. 2024
Much of Winfrey’s special discussed people’s personal experiences with weight loss, including mental shifts in thinking of obesity as a disease rather than a moral failing.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2024
An investigation:Obesity was long considered a personal failing.
—Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 19 Mar. 2024
All of these businesses were later convicted of health and safety failings, but only the three companies cited by Judge Thomas were ordered to pay reparations.
—Natasha Frost, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024
The list of policy failings on Secretary Mayorkas’ watch is extraordinarily long and their consequences for American states, cities, and families are tragic.
—Mike Garcia, Orange County Register, 2 Feb. 2024
Alice & Jack embeds its defense of its failings right in its dialogue.
—Angie Han, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'failing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing failing
Dictionary Entries Near failing
Cite this Entry
“Failing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failing. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.
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Kids Definition
failing
1 of 2 noun
fail·ing
ˈfā-liŋ 
failing
2 of 2 preposition
: in the absence or lack of
failing specific instructions, use your own judgment
More from Merriam-Webster on failing
Nglish: Translation of failing for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of failing for Arabic Speakers
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