failing
/ˈfeɪlɪŋ/
NOUN
1. Not succeeding or meeting required standards
The act or condition of not achieving a desired result, reaching a required standard, or performing successfully.
1.1. Failure in performance or achievement
The inability to achieve an expected result or meet a minimum standard of performance, particularly in examinations, work, or other assessments.
Synonyms
- failure
- flunk
- unsuccessfulness
- underperformance
- nonachievement
Antonyms
- success
- achievement
- accomplishment
- attainment
Examples
- His failing in the final examination prevented him from graduating.
Related Words
- defeat
- setback
- shortfall
- disappointment
NOUN
2. A personal weakness or imperfection
A fault, weakness, or undesirable characteristic in someone's personality, behavior, or abilities.
2.1. Personal faults and shortcomings
A weakness, defect, or imperfection in someone's character or behavior that may affect their decisions or relationships.
Synonyms
- shortcoming
- weakness
- fault
- flaw
- foible
- imperfection
- defect
- frailty
- infirmity
- failing
Antonyms
Examples
- One of his greatest failings was his inability to accept criticism.
Related Words
- vice
- deficiency
- limitation
- drawback
NOUN
3. Declining or becoming weaker
The process of losing strength, effectiveness, health, or quality over time.
3.1. Deterioration in condition or strength
A gradual decline in physical strength, health, ability, or the effectiveness of something.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- improvement
- recovery
- strengthening
- progress
Examples
- The patient's failing health worried the entire family.
Related Words
- degeneration
- regression
- diminishment
- waning
ADJECTIVE
4. Below an acceptable level of performance
Not performing adequately or showing insufficient ability, strength, or effectiveness.
4.1. Inadequate or unsuccessful performance
Describes someone or something that does not meet the expected standard or achieve a satisfactory level of performance.
Synonyms
- inadequate
- deficient
- insufficient
- unsuccessful
- unavailing
- weak
- feeble
- wanting
- unsatisfactory
Antonyms
- successful
- adequate
- satisfactory
- sufficient
- effective
Examples
- The student received a failing grade in mathematics.
Related Words
- substandard
- ineffective
- inferior
- unsatisfactory
4.2. Declining in health or condition
Describes a person, organization, or system that is becoming weaker, less healthy, or less capable of functioning properly.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- thriving
- recovering
- strengthening
- flourishing
Examples
- The failing company struggled to remain competitive in the market.
Related Words
VERB
5. Not succeeding in an ongoing action
The act of being unable to accomplish something or perform an intended action successfully.
5.1. Being unsuccessful in an attempt
The ongoing act of attempting something without achieving the intended result or objective.
Synonyms
- struggling
- floundering
- faltering
- underperforming
- misfiring
Antonyms
- succeeding
- achieving
- prevailing
- accomplishing
Examples
- The team was failing to meet its production targets.
Related Words
- stumbling
- losing
- miscalculating
- underachieving
5.2. Neglecting or not fulfilling an obligation
The ongoing act of not carrying out a duty, responsibility, promise, or expected action.
Synonyms
- neglecting
- omitting
- defaulting
- overlooking
- disregarding
Antonyms
- fulfilling
- performing
- completing
- honoring
Examples
- He was failing to fulfill his responsibilities as team leader.
Related Words
- forgetting
- ignoring
- abandoning
- neglect