: 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
Hazlitt, 13 May 2025
In this newest cover-up, Clooney repeats his film’s original failing — its nostalgic salute to the power of electronic media suasion.
—Armond White, National Review, 30 Apr. 2025
These extremists seek to replace discussion of his vast contributions with talk of failings, his discoveries with atrocities and his achievements with transgressions.
—Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
Suzie’s failings are made even clearer by Lexi, who gives a great interview.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for failing
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Noun
If this story were a parable, our hero would likely suffer some ignoble end as punishment for his moral failings.
—Hazlitt, 13 May 2025
In this newest cover-up, Clooney repeats his film’s original failing — its nostalgic salute to the power of electronic media suasion.
—Armond White, National Review, 30 Apr. 2025
These extremists seek to replace discussion of his vast contributions with talk of failings, his discoveries with atrocities and his achievements with transgressions.
—Mark Weinstein, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
Suzie’s failings are made even clearer by Lexi, who gives a great interview.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 5 Apr. 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 1 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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