: 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
Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2024
Miller is a staunch free marketeer who believes that the exorbitant resale prices simply reflect how much consumers are willing to pay for them and not a failing in his platform.
—Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 15 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for failing 
Noun
Among other safety failings, inspectors found the exits of the seven-story wooden building weren’t arranged to provide an easy way out for the workers who were trapped inside the building when the fire broke out.
—Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2024
Miller is a staunch free marketeer who believes that the exorbitant resale prices simply reflect how much consumers are willing to pay for them and not a failing in his platform.
—Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 15 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for failing
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.
Dictionary Entries Near failing
Cite this Entry
“Failing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/failing. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
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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