failing
- 01 C1 Advanced
n.a fault or weakness in someone's character or in a system.
n.a weakness, shortcoming, or defect in character, conduct, or a structural system.
Simple“He was a kind man, but his one failing was that he could never say no to anyone.”
In context“Despite her many professional successes, her inability to delegate remained a significant failing that hindered her department's long-term growth.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
prep.you use this to introduce a second choice if the first one does not work.
prep.in the absence of; if the aforementioned option is not available or possible.
Simple“Try to find a fresh lemon; failing that, you can use bottled juice.”
In context“The committee hopes to secure a private donor for the project; failing that, they will be forced to apply for a government grant.”
UsageAlways placed at the beginning of a clause or phrase to introduce an alternative.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.the act of not being successful or not doing what is expected.
v.the present participle or gerund of 'fail', describing the state of being unsuccessful or declining.
Simple“The company is struggling because of the failing economy.”
In context“The doctor expressed concern over the patient's failing health, noting that the previous treatments had shown little effect.”
Antonyms
Usage failing to get · failing to comply
“A total of 19 taxi drivers were fined for failing to carry a functioning cashless payment device, while five were fined for refusing to accept a cashless payment.”
“However, as time edged closer the rain was largely been confined to north-western parts of Britain, failing to reach the south-east with any significance.”