FAILING Synonyms: 204 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'failing' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of failing are fault , foible , frailty , and vice . While all these words mean "an imperfection or weakness of character," failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character. // being late is a failing of mine

Q: When might 'fault' be a better fit than 'failing'?

The synonyms fault and failing are sometimes interchangeable, but fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit. // a writer of many virtues and few faults

Q: When is 'foible' a more appropriate choice than 'failing'?

While in some cases nearly identical to failing , foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy. // an eccentric's charming foibles

Q: When could 'frailty' be used to replace 'failing'?

The words frailty and failing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation. // human frailties

Q: When would 'vice' be a good substitute for 'failing'?

Although the words vice and failing have much in common, vice can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others. // compulsive gambling was his vice

failing 1 of 3

noun

ˈfā-liŋ

Definition of failing

as in fault

a defect in character we could talk about your failings, but it would take all night

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

failing

2 of 3

adjective

as in dying

Related Words

failing

3 of 3

verb

present participle of fail

as in crashing

to stop functioning my car failed just as I was about to head to work

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starting (up)

as in collapsing

to be unsuccessful despite all the publicity, the movie failed miserably at the box office

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as in disappointing

to fall short in satisfying the expectation or hope of although the minor-league franchise continues to fail local fans, hope springs eternal

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as in weakening

to lose bodily strength or vigor ever since she reached the age of 90, Grandma has been noticeably failing

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as in forgetting

to miss the opportunity or obligation failed to mention that he was looking for new job

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun failing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of failing are fault, foible, frailty, and vice. While all these words mean "an imperfection or weakness of character," failing suggests a minor shortcoming in character.

being late is a failing of mine

When might fault be a better fit than failing?

The synonyms fault and failing are sometimes interchangeable, but fault implies a failure, not necessarily culpable, to reach some standard of perfection in disposition, action, or habit.

a writer of many virtues and few faults

When is foible a more appropriate choice than failing?

While in some cases nearly identical to failing, foible applies to a harmless or endearing weakness or idiosyncrasy.

an eccentric's charming foibles

When could frailty be used to replace failing?

The words frailty and failing are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, frailty implies a general or chronic proneness to yield to temptation.

human frailties

When would vice be a good substitute for failing?

Although the words vice and failing have much in common, vice can be a general term for any imperfection or weakness, but it often suggests violation of a moral code or the giving of offense to the moral sensibilities of others.

compulsive gambling was his vice

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of failing

Noun

Throughout the trial the defense probed what the attorneys described as failings in the thoroughness of the Arlington Police Department’s investigation of the case, particularly the lack of complete photo documentation. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2026 Nosiness is treated as a social failing rather than a cognitive trait. — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Adjective

The state graded the campus an F for three consecutive years, meaning two more failing grades could trigger an intervention. — Noah Alcala Bach, San Antonio Express-News, 1 Jan. 2026

Verb

Lawsuits have accused Lyft of failing to perform more thorough background checks on prospective drivers, maintaining in-car surveillance and enforcing zero-tolerance policies against drivers. — Amber Gaudet, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026 Pachocki, who signed the petition, told me one error was failing to deploy guardrails his researchers had built. — Alex Heath, Time, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for failing

Recent Examples of Synonyms for failing

Noun

Detecting a developing problem early can therefore be important for keeping the wider system available and preventing a localized fault from becoming a larger operational issue.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026
The wire is intended to provide a safe path for electricity to travel to earth in the event of a fault or surge.

— Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of fault

Verb

Experts said it was most likely caused by a partial glacier collapse that sent tons of ice and rock crashing down into the valley below, setting off a powerful landslide.

— Jennifer Jett, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
But Maddy can’t run away forever, and her past comes crashing into her new Italian life in the most chaotic way imaginable.

— Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of crashing

Verb

Summary Volkswagen's unique governance, long prioritizing workers and unions over shareholders, is now unsustainable amid collapsing profits, especially from China, and fierce competition from Chinese EVs.

— Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
After winning historic Latino support in 2024, Trump now faces collapsing approval as mass deportations, economic stagnation and inflammatory messaging like the bus graphic threaten GOP fortunes in the 2026 midterms.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of collapsing

Verb

Demand was high and supply was low, so companies and distilleries started removing age statements from labels, disappointing their dedicated fans.

— Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 23 Aug. 2026
After disappointing back-to-back last-place finishes in the WLL Championship Series, the team set the tone this summer with a thrilling 18-17 overtime win against the Palms on May 29 in Baltimore.

— Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of disappointing

Verb

Throughout this year, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has been weakening the Navy’s leadership by blocking the promotion of nearly 20 admirals.

— Andrea N. Goldstein, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
Wheat futures hit their highest level in more than three years as the war in Ukraine strained supplies, further weakening the global food system.

— Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of weakening

Noun

Researchers point out that this ability could make maritime simulations more realistic while helping identify weaknesses in operational plans.

— Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
Summary Several investor rights firms are threatening class actions against into Suja Life after its stock plummeted following disappointing Q2 earnings and reduced guidance, attributed to grocery channel weakness.

— Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of weakness

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“Failing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/failing. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of failing

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