failing
/ˈfeɪ.lɪŋ/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: failings
Sense 1
Meaning · English
weakness; defect
Noun
Examples
His worst failing is his temper.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
If what follows is not possible; without.
Preposition
Examples
A large proportion of the females employed in other firms are said to have signified their intention of going on strike, failing a settlement.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “failing” mean?
weakness; defect
Is “failing” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.