: 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
Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 15 June 2025
In the Obama years, the media lost all pretense of impartiality by cheering for our first Black president rather than telling the truth about his failings, especially in foreign affairs and budgeting.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 May 2025
Ditto the idea that too many in the media were out of touch with public opinion—itself a failing that extends far beyond coverage of Biden.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
And being untidy is considered a personal failing in our culture, a breach of the moral code.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for failing
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Noun
Which, truth be told, seems like more than just a moral failing.
—Alex Morris, Rolling Stone, 15 June 2025
In the Obama years, the media lost all pretense of impartiality by cheering for our first Black president rather than telling the truth about his failings, especially in foreign affairs and budgeting.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 May 2025
Ditto the idea that too many in the media were out of touch with public opinion—itself a failing that extends far beyond coverage of Biden.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 23 May 2025
And being untidy is considered a personal failing in our culture, a breach of the moral code.
—Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for failing
Cite this Entry
“Failing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failing. Accessed 18 Jun. 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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