as in fault
a defect in character
we could talk about your failings, but it would take all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in crashing
to stop functioning
my car failed just as I was about to head to work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in collapsing
to be unsuccessful
despite all the publicity, the movie failed miserably at the box office
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in disappointing
to fall short in satisfying the expectation or hope of
although the minor-league franchise continues to fail local fans, hope springs eternal
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in weakening
to lose bodily strength or vigor
ever since she reached the age of 90, Grandma has been noticeably failing
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in forgetting
to miss the opportunity or obligation
failed to mention that he was looking for new job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in dying
Related Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of failing
Douglas Unger
august 29, Literary Hub, 29 Aug. 2025
The senator laid the blame for the breaches squarely on the judiciary’s refusal to acknowledge the security failings openly and its resistance to disclose the causes and enact meaningful changes to prevent future breaches.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2025
Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
The only good thing is that the Dodgers have been failing miserably and somehow the Pads remain in contention.
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for failing
Verb
Philomelic writing is an outcry borne of pain, writing that demands community awareness and social change, or at least that inspires acknowledgement of an injustice or a moral failing that might shift the behaviors of readers.
—Douglas Unger
august 29, Literary Hub, 29 Aug. 2025
The senator laid the blame for the breaches squarely on the judiciary’s refusal to acknowledge the security failings openly and its resistance to disclose the causes and enact meaningful changes to prevent future breaches.
—Dan Goodin, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
The class actions also accuse Allianz of not sufficiently monitoring its systems to prevent data breaches and failing to have a strong data security plan.
—Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
The only good thing is that the Dodgers have been failing miserably and somehow the Pads remain in contention.
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for failing
Recent Examples of Synonyms for failing
Noun
-
Thug’s preexisting relationship with Big Bank also makes the conversation feel very intimate, though sometimes to a fault.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Would the Clippers be at fault if a sponsor decides to pay a player, but there isn’t sufficient evidence the team directed that payment?—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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She was intubated for nearly a week while medical staff at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola worked to save her, including repeatedly scrubbing and cleaning out her leg to remove any dying tissue.—
Mollye Barrows,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Mason confirmed that Kirk was shot and taken to a hospital in a private vehicle before dying.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The carrier warned that incorrect declarations can result in cargo shifting or collapsing, alongside other accidents like chemical reactions, fires or even explosions.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Some were collapsing or fire-damaged, others left vacant after the house next door burned.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The pressure to overperform, the fear of disappointing others and the worry of appearing uncommitted are real concerns for growth-minded professionals.—
Ankur Bindal,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Then the hurricane continued on a more northward path around the islands and finally began weakening after powerful 145 mph winds tapered off.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Total job growth was revised lower by the largest amount in history, The revisions erased 911 thousand jobs over the full year period, adding to mounting concerns of a weakening labor market and fueling questions as to the reliability of monthly data being used to gauge employment.—
JJ Kinahan,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Those who say Tepper could never own a winning team conveniently are forgetting about Charlotte FC, which also won a game in the MLS playoffs in 2024.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Sep. 2025
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Down the hall, history teacher Kyle Scarbrough talked with high schoolers about the dangers of forgetting history, drawing on examples from the Book of Judges.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
While pruning, remove any winter damage, along with dead and declining growths, to allow new shoots to reform the plant.—
Tom MacCubbin,
orlandosentinel.com,
6 Mar. 2021
-
In order to reopen, counties must demonstrate declining prevalence of COVID-19, testing ability of 30 tests per 10,000 residents per week, contact tracing and isolation facilities.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
15 May 2020
Noun
-
The addition of shutdown closer Jhoan Duran has turned their bullpen from a weakness into a roster strength.—
Peter Chawaga,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The milestone marks a symbolic win for the blue-chip index, highlighting the market’s resilience despite tariff concerns and signs of weakness in the economy.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Failing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/failing. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
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