What does failing mean?
A failing is a weakness, defect, or shortcoming — most commonly in a person's character, abilities, or conduct. Calling something a failing acknowledges that it falls short of what is expected or ideal: impatience may be a failing, as may forgetfulness or a tendency toward vanity. The word carries a comparatively mild, even forgiving tone; describing someone's failings suggests an honest but humane recognition of imperfection rather than harsh condemnation. Beyond its noun sense, failing also functions as the present participle of the verb 'to fail', describing ongoing unsuccessful action, as in a business that is failing or brakes that are failing. Derived from the Old French 'faillir' and ultimately from the Latin 'fallere', meaning to deceive or disappoint, the word belongs to a family that includes 'fail', 'failure', and 'fallacy'. Its enduring usefulness lies in this dual role: it names both the quiet weaknesses we tolerate in ourselves and others, and the active process of falling short of success or duty.
A weakness or shortcoming in a person's character, abilities, or conduct; a fault or imperfection.
"Her generosity was boundless, but stubbornness was her one great failing."
Often pluralized ('his many failings') and softened by phrases such as 'despite his failings'.
Present participle of 'fail': to be unsuccessful in achieving a goal, or to neglect to do something expected.
"The company was failing long before the recession began."
The plural is common when referring to multiple shortcomings, especially in evaluative phrases such as 'despite his failings' or 'aware of her own failings'.
"The biography is candid about the general's failings without ever losing sympathy for him."
The word 'failing' comes from the same Latin root that gave us 'fallacy' — so when someone points out your failings, they're literally tracing them back to the idea of falling short.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of failing
Failing derives from the verb 'fail', which entered Middle English from Old French 'faillir', itself from the Latin 'fallere', meaning 'to deceive, disappoint, or trip up'. The Latin root is shared by cognates such as 'fallacy' and 'default'. The noun sense — a personal weakness or shortcoming — developed naturally from the verb's sense of falling short of a standard, becoming well established in English by the early modern period.
Related word forms
How failing is actually used
When used as a noun referring to personal weakness, 'failing' often carries a slightly gentler connotation than 'flaw' or 'defect', suggesting a forgivable human imperfection rather than a serious defect. It frequently appears in the phrase 'for all his failings' to acknowledge shortcomings while still affirming overall worth. The preposition 'in' commonly follows: 'a failing in judgement'.
Easily confused with failing
'Failing' typically refers to a specific weakness or shortcoming, while 'failure' refers to the act of not succeeding or the state of not achieving a desired outcome.