: 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, 14 Mar. 2025
The not-so-powerful who demand the truth about the powerful are often averse to the truth about their own complicity in the failings of the nation.
—Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025
Jerrold’s accompanying text is much more strident, decrying the moral failings that lead to imprisonment and waxing dubious on the value of prison reform, rehabilitation efforts, and charity.
—Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
It is maintained by the fear of being accused of taking the wrong side, as if the murder of children is ever a matter of political debate rather than a fundamental moral failing.
—Laurence Bolotin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for failing
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Noun
Peter Johnston, the BBC’s director of editorial complaints and reviews, is overseeing an in-depth editorial investigation into the editorial failings that led to the documentary being broadcast.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
The not-so-powerful who demand the truth about the powerful are often averse to the truth about their own complicity in the failings of the nation.
—Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, The Dial, 4 Mar. 2025
Jerrold’s accompanying text is much more strident, decrying the moral failings that lead to imprisonment and waxing dubious on the value of prison reform, rehabilitation efforts, and charity.
—Sarah C. Schaefer, Artforum, 1 Mar. 2025
It is maintained by the fear of being accused of taking the wrong side, as if the murder of children is ever a matter of political debate rather than a fundamental moral failing.
—Laurence Bolotin, Chicago Tribune, 28 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 28 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
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