failing

adjective
UK: /ˈfeɪ.lɪŋ/
US: /ˈfeɪ.lɪŋ/

  1. Not successful; doing badly.

    1. My failing eyesight makes it hard to read road signs quickly. [ ] [ ]
    2. The failing company desperately needs to improve its services or it will close down. [ ] [ ]

  2. Weak or in poor condition.

    1. My grandmother is failing but she still tries to stay active. [ ] [ ]
    2. The failing bridge required immediate repairs to prevent a potential disaster. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

unsuccessful flawed weakness declining fault weak
failing verb

  1. To be unsuccessful; to not achieve the desired result.

    1. He is failing his math class so he needs to get a tutor. [ ] [ ]
    2. The business was failing because it did not adapt to changing market conditions. [ ] [ ]

  2. To become weaker or stop working correctly.

    1. Her health is failing so she needs more care now. [ ] [ ]
    2. The old engine started failing after years of heavy use and neglect. [ ] [ ]

  3. To disappoint or let someone down.

    1. I am failing my friends because I can't come to the party. [ ] [ ]
    2. The government is failing its citizens by not providing essential services. [ ] [ ]
failing noun

  1. Weaknesses or shortcomings.

    1. We all have failing, so don't be too hard on yourself. [ ] [ ]
    2. His failing kept him from getting the job but he learned from his errors. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "failing" in English means: Not successful; doing badly., Weak or in poor condition..

The phonetic transcription of "failing" is /ˈfeɪ.lɪŋ/ in British English and /ˈfeɪ.lɪŋ/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "failing": unsuccessful, flawed, weakness, declining, fault, weak.

Example usage of "failing": "My failing eyesight makes it hard to read road signs quickly.". More examples on the page.