failing
/ˈfeɪlɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfeɪlɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈfā-liŋ/ (ame, mw) · /ˈfeɪ.lɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈfeɪ.lɪŋ/ (ame, ipa)
failing — noun
- failingsingular
- failingsplural
1. a small but lasting problem in a person's character or in the way a system or pl
a small but lasting problem in a person's character or in the way a system or plan works, which keeps it from being as good as it could be.
Eri's greatest failing is that she tends to speak too quickly during team meetings.
failing + that-clause for a personal weakness
The budget proposal had one major failing — it included no backup plan for emergencies.
failing of a plan or proposal
Minh admitted that impatience was his biggest personal failing as a manager.
Every organisation has its failings, but this one tries hard to learn from its mistakes.
A small failing in the hiring process meant the most suitable candidate was never contacted.
- weakness
broader term; can describe both character traits and structural vulnerabilities
- flaw
suggests an inherent defect in design or character that undermines integrity
- shortcoming
implies failure to meet a desired standard, especially in performance
- defect
more technical and serious; suggests a measurable failure in function
文法句型
[possessive] failing
failing in [noun]
用法筆記
Commonly describes personal character traits rather than physical defects, though it can also apply to systems and plans. Less strong than 'fault' and often suggests a relatively forgivable shortcoming.
常見錯誤
failing — preposition
1. used between two statements to introduce the next possible choice or course of a
used between two statements to introduce the next possible choice or course of action, when the first option mentioned cannot be done or is not available.
Try calling Ayesha on her mobile; failing that, leave a message at the front desk.
fixed phrase: failing that
Mauricio hoped to work as a chef; failing that, he would take any kitchen job.
failing that — introducing a backup plan
The first express bus leaves at six; failing that, a local bus departs at seven.
Kwame planned to study engineering at the national university; failing that, he would apply abroad.
文法句型
failing that
failing which
用法筆記
Always occurs in the fixed phrase 'failing that' or, in formal legal and contractual writing, 'failing which'. Cannot be used alone without a preceding stated option.
常見錯誤
failing — adjective
- failingpositive
- more failingcomparative
- most failingsuperlative
1. gradually losing strength, influence, or the ability to succeed, especially over
gradually losing strength, influence, or the ability to succeed, especially over a period of time.
The failing family bakery was bought by a chain that promised to keep the recipes.
failing + noun of business/institution
Romi's elderly grandfather was taken to hospital with a failing heart.
failing + body part for health decline
Despite his failing eyesight, the old librarian still shelved books from memory.
The team's failing performance over the season led to the coach being dismissed.
Zola struggled to keep the failing farm running through the drought.
- declining
gradual reduction in quality or quantity; slightly broader in use
- weakening
emphasises loss of physical or structural strength
- deteriorating
becoming progressively worse; often used for health or conditions
- thriving
growing or doing very well
- flourishing
developing successfully and strongly
文法句型
failing [noun]
用法筆記
Almost always used before a noun (attributive position). Common with nouns describing health conditions (heart, eyesight, hearing) and struggling organisations (business, company, farm).