: a usually slight or insignificant defect in character, conduct, or ability
: in absence or default of
failing specific instructions, use your own judgment
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
Brian Castrucci,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Such failings merits more analysis but there is surely some truth in left back Ali Abdi’s comments after a 4-0 filleting by Japan in their second game.
—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
These failings dated from 2012 to May 2025.
—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
26 June 2026
Social media marketing burnout isn’t a personal failing or ordinary job stress.
—
Ashley Hass,
The Conversation,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for failing
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Noun
The article stresses that depression is a common, treatable illness, not a personal failing.
—
Brian Castrucci,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Such failings merits more analysis but there is surely some truth in left back Ali Abdi’s comments after a 4-0 filleting by Japan in their second game.
—
Carl Anka,
New York Times,
29 June 2026
These failings dated from 2012 to May 2025.
—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
26 June 2026
Social media marketing burnout isn’t a personal failing or ordinary job stress.
—
Ashley Hass,
The Conversation,
24 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for failing
Cite this Entry
“Failing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failing. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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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