failing
B2Neutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
A weakness, flaw, or shortcoming in a person's character or abilities.
The act of becoming unsuccessful or ceasing to function; can also mean "in the absence of" or "if not" when used as a preposition.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it typically refers to a personal deficiency. As a preposition, it introduces a fallback option or condition. The verb form (to fail) is much more common.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use the noun and preposition similarly.
Connotations
Identical. Slightly formal when used as a preposition.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N of N (a failing of the system)Prep (failing that, ...)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Failing that, ... (as a fallback)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used to discuss shortcomings in processes, systems, or leadership.
Academic
Used in critiques of theories, methodologies, or character analysis.
Everyday
Used to discuss personal weaknesses or as a preposition for alternatives.
Technical
Rare. More common in human factors or systems engineering.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- His main failing is a lack of patience.
- The report highlighted several administrative failings.
American English
- Her biggest failing is procrastination.
- The investigation exposed serious safety failings.
verb
British English
- The engine is failing after 150,000 miles.
- He is failing to grasp the basic concept.
American English
- The brakes are failing on my truck.
- She is failing to meet the deadline.
preposition
British English
- We'll meet at six; failing that, I'll call you.
- Send the document by email, or failing that, by courier.
American English
- Let's try the main entrance, failing that, the side door.
- Use the official app, or failing that, the website.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Being late is his only failing.
- The plan is failing.
- She admitted her failings and promised to improve.
- My phone battery is failing quickly.
- The enquiry revealed a catastrophic failing in the communication protocol.
- We should negotiate a deal, failing that, we will pursue legal action.
- Despite his considerable intellect, his propensity for arrogance remained a profound personal failing.
- Failing a radical change in policy, the species will likely face extinction.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FAILING a test reveals a KNOWLEDGE failing.' Links the action to the noun.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY/QUALITY IS STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY (a flaw/weakness in the structure).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating the preposition 'failing' as 'падая'. Use 'в случае неудачи' or 'если это не выйдет'.
- The noun 'failing' is not as severe as 'провал' (which is a major failure). It's closer to 'недостаток' or 'слабость'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'failing' as a verb in continuous form is rare and often awkward (e.g., 'He is failing the class' is fine, but 'He is failing in his duty' is less common).
- Confusing the preposition 'failing' with 'in case of failure'.
- Overusing the noun form where 'weakness' or 'flaw' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'Failing a satisfactory reply, we shall start legal proceedings,' what part of speech is 'failing'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, primarily. As a noun, it describes a negative trait. As a preposition, it introduces a negative condition ('if that doesn't work').
No. The preposition 'failing' means 'in the absence of' or 'if not'. It does not mean 'due to' (e.g., 'Failing bad weather' is incorrect for 'Because of bad weather').
'Failure' is a broader term for a lack of success in an event or activity. 'Failing' as a noun is more specific to a character flaw or a defect in a system.
The noun is neutral. The prepositional use ('failing that') is slightly formal and common in written or official contexts.