Failing
/ˈfeɪlɪŋ/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo be unsuccessful; to not achieve the intended result.
/ˈfeɪlɪŋ/
The action of not succeeding or achieving the desired result.
The experiment failed to produce any significant results.
💡 Simply: Imagine you try to bake a cake, but it burns. That's failing! It means things don't turn out the way you want them to.
👶 For kids: When you try to do something and it doesn't work.
More Examples
She is failing to meet the project deadline.
The crops failed because of the drought.
How It's Used
"The company is failing due to poor management."
"He is failing his math class."
An act or instance of failing; a shortcoming or deficiency.
/ˈfeɪlɪŋ/
The act or instance of not succeeding.
The company's failing led to its bankruptcy.
💡 Simply: If something doesn't go right – like a toy breaking when you play with it – that's a failing. It’s when something doesn’t do what it’s supposed to.
👶 For kids: When something goes wrong or doesn't work.
More Examples
There was a failing in the system that caused the accident.
He admitted his failing in the matter.
How It's Used
"A failing of the legal system to protect the victim."
"The project's failing was due to lack of funding."
Likely to fail; declining or deteriorating.
/ˈfeɪlɪŋ/
Used to describe something that is in the process of failing.
The failing company had to lay off many employees.
💡 Simply: If something's 'failing', it's like a plant that's starting to wilt and might not survive. It's not doing well and is getting worse.
👶 For kids: When something is getting worse and might not be good anymore.
More Examples
He was concerned about his failing eyesight.
The government took steps to save the failing economy.
How It's Used
"A failing business."
"Failing health."
Idioms & expressions
without fail
Definitely; certainly; without exception.
"The sun rises every day without fail."
fail to do something
To not manage to do something; to be unsuccessful in attempting something.
"He failed to complete the marathon."
From Old French *faillir* ('to fail, be lacking'), from Latin *fallere* ('to deceive, disappoint').
Used in a similar sense as today, dating back to Middle English, often concerning legal or moral failings.
Memory tip
Think of a test you didn't pass – you failed.