: 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
Jake Kanter, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Thankfully, this phone makes up for these failings with a slightly better software update policy.
—Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2025
Up to now, it’s been possible to gloss over failings in ESG, CSR and DEI, but that will stop in 2025.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
However, Cave pushed back against the idea of fully dismissing an artist’s work due to their personal failings.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 18 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for failing
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
In recent weeks, the corporation has published two reviews into the historical behavior of presenters Russell Brand and Tim Westwood, both of which revealed failings in BBC processes around complaints handling.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Thankfully, this phone makes up for these failings with a slightly better software update policy.
—Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 28 Feb. 2025
Up to now, it’s been possible to gloss over failings in ESG, CSR and DEI, but that will stop in 2025.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
However, Cave pushed back against the idea of fully dismissing an artist’s work due to their personal failings.
—Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 18 Feb. 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 22 Mar. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share