📖 Definitions of "Failing"
- 1
To be unsuccessful.
"Throughout my life, I have always failed."
- 2
Not to achieve a particular stated goal. (Usage note: The direct object of this word is usually an infinitive.)
"The truck failed to start."
- 3
To neglect.
"The report fails to take into account all the mitigating factors."
- 4
Of a machine, etc.: to cease to operate correctly.
"After running five minutes, the engine failed."
- 1
Weakness; defect
"His worst failing is his temper."
- 1
If the preferred or prior option is not possible
"A large proportion of the females employed in other firms are said to have signified their intention of going on strike, failing a settlement."
🔄 Synonyms of "Failing"
10 synonyms found via WordNet and Google Books.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| retrogradenoun | Directed or moving backwards in relation to the normal or previous direction of travel; retreating. |
| regressive | That tends to return, revert or regress. |
| retrogressivenoun | Directed towards the rear or the past; retrograde. |
| unsatisfactory | Inadequate, substandard or not satisfactory. |
| unsuccessful | Failed, not successful. |
| weaknessnoun | (uncountable) The condition of being weak. |
| decliningnoun | decline |
| failed | unsuccessful |
| deteriorating | Getting worse. |
| regressing | Undergoing regression |
↔️ Antonyms of "Failing"
Words with the opposite meaning.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| passverb | To change place. |
| passingnoun | Going past. |
| qualifyingnoun | An examination that must be taken in order to qualify. |
💡 Words with a Similar Meaning to "Failing"
Found via reverse dictionary — words that share a conceptual meaning.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| weaknessnoun | (uncountable) The condition of being weak. |
| unsatisfactory | Inadequate, substandard or not satisfactory. |
| unsuccessful | Failed, not successful. |
| deteriorating | Getting worse. |
| decliningnoun | decline |
| retrogradeverb | (transitive) (geography) To cause (a land feature such as a coastline or waterfall) to undergo retrogradation, that is, to travel in the direction of the land or upstream due to erosion. |
| regressing | Undergoing regression |
| retrogressivenoun | Directed towards the rear or the past; retrograde. |
| regressive | That tends to return, revert or regress. |
| faultverb | (typically uncountable) Culpability; the responsibility for a blameworthy event. |
| shortagenoun | A lack or deficiency; an insufficient amount. |
| shortcomingnoun | A deficiency or falling short; failure to attain a goal or ideal. |
| deficiencynoun | (countable) An insufficiency, especially of something essential to health. |
| defectivenoun | Having one or more defects. |
| defectverb | A fault or malfunction. |
| faulty | Having or displaying faults; not perfect; not adequate or acceptable. |
| deficitnoun | A situation wherein, or amount whereby, spending exceeds (e.g. government) revenue. |
| drawbacknoun | A disadvantage; something that detracts or takes away. |
| lackverb | (transitive, stative) To be without, not to have, to need, to require. |
| dysfunctional | Not performing its proper or intended function. |
⚡ Words Strongly Associated with "Failing"
These words statistically appear in the same text as "failing" (Google Books Ngrams).
🎨 Adjectives for "Failing"
Popular adjectives used to describe this word in books.
🏷️ Nouns for "Failing"
Common nouns this word is used to describe.
📝 Common Phrases with "Failing"
Words that come before
🌐 Broader and Narrower Concepts
More General (hypernyms)
More Specific (hyponyms)
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