failings
/ˈfeɪlɪŋz/
NOUN
1. Personal faults and weaknesses
Defects, weaknesses, or undesirable qualities in someone's character, behavior, or abilities.
1.1. Character flaws and personal shortcomings
Personal weaknesses, imperfections, or limitations in someone's character, abilities, or behavior.
Synonyms
- shortcomings
- weaknesses
- faults
- flaws
- foibles
- frailties
- infirmities
- imperfections
- defects
- deficiencies
Antonyms
Examples
- She accepted her own failings and worked to become a better person.
Related Words
- limitations
- drawbacks
- fallibilities
- inadequacies
1.2. Moral faults and misconduct
Moral weaknesses, bad habits, or undesirable actions that reflect someone's failure to meet ethical or behavioral standards.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The biography discusses the leader's achievements as well as his moral failings.
Related Words
- sins
- misconduct
- misbehavior
- moral weaknesses
NOUN
2. Failures and inadequate performance
Instances in which a person, organization, or undertaking does not achieve an intended objective or meet an expected standard.
2.1. Unsuccessful attempts and outcomes
Instances of not achieving a desired result, completing an objective, or meeting expectations.
Synonyms
- failures
- setbacks
- defeats
- disappointments
- fiascoes
- debacles
- miscarriages
- nonachievements
Antonyms
- successes
- achievements
- accomplishments
- triumphs
- victories
Examples
- The company examined its past failings to avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Related Words
- mistakes
- errors
- missteps
- shortfalls
2.2. Deficiencies in performance or capability
Instances of inadequate ability, insufficient performance, or failure to meet required standards.
Synonyms
- deficiencies
- inadequacies
- shortcomings
- weaknesses
- insufficiencies
- deficits
Antonyms
- adequacies
- strengths
- competencies
- capabilities
Examples
- The audit revealed several failings in the organization's internal procedures.
Related Words
- limitations
- incompetencies
- imperfections
- inadequacies
NOUN
3. Breakdowns and failures of operation
Instances in which a machine, system, process, or organization fails to function or operate as intended.
3.1. Technical or operational breakdowns
Malfunctions, defects, or breakdowns that prevent equipment, systems, or processes from performing their intended functions.
Synonyms
- malfunctions
- breakdowns
- defects
- faults
- failures
- disruptions
Antonyms
- operations
- functions
- successes
- improvements
Examples
- The investigation identified several technical failings in the communication system.
Related Words
- glitches
- errors
- deficiencies
- disruptions