Word
failing
Phoneticsfail·ing
US/ˈfeɪɫɪŋ/
UK/fˈeɪlɪŋ/
Definitions
01a weakness
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.”
Formal
02if that is not possible
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.”
Formal
Usage
Always placed at the beginning of a clause or phrase to introduce an alternative.
03not succeeding
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
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.” Collocations
Word family
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englishreference.com/q/failing