: 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
Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 30 Jan. 2025
Shows that not all football teams need to be Champions League contenders and not all fans need to be moaning about the failings of their club.
—Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Undoubtedly, there were failings among the public officials and institutions that worsened the fire.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 9 Jan. 2025
Franklin is a legend in his own mind that refuses to address and remedy his faults and failings.
—Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for failing 
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Noun
Recognizing the Fed’s failings in the 1970s, Congress amended the Federal Reserve Act in 1977 to include additional reforms, such as requiring the Fed chair to report to Congress twice a year to testify on the central bank’s activity.
—Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN, 30 Jan. 2025
Shows that not all football teams need to be Champions League contenders and not all fans need to be moaning about the failings of their club.
—Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
Undoubtedly, there were failings among the public officials and institutions that worsened the fire.
—Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 9 Jan. 2025
Franklin is a legend in his own mind that refuses to address and remedy his faults and failings.
—Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for failing
Dictionary Entries Near failing
Cite this Entry
“Failing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failing. Accessed 9 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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