Word
failing
Phoneticsfail·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈfeɪɫɪŋ/
UK/fˈeɪlɪŋ/
Definitions
01a weakness
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
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.
“He was a kind man, but his one failing was that he could never say no to anyone.”
“Despite her many professional successes, her inability to delegate remained a significant failing that hindered her department's long-term growth.”
02if that is not possible
C1 · Advanced Formal
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.
“Try to find a fresh lemon; failing that, you can use bottled juice.”
“The committee hopes to secure a private donor for the project; failing that, they will be forced to apply for a government grant.”
Usage
Always placed at the beginning of a clause or phrase to introduce an alternative.
03not succeeding
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.
“The company is struggling because of the failing economy.”
“The doctor expressed concern over the patient's failing health, noting that the previous treatments had shown little effect.”
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “failing” in context.
Real-World Examples
“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.” “Having already spent half a million dollars on a previous attempt, which was scuppered by permit issues, she sells her flat to raise funds while trying and mostly failing to get corporate sponsorship.” “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.” “Just when she needs them most, the old spells are failing her.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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