Failing: meaning, definitions and examples

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failing

[ ˈfeɪlɪŋ ]

Adjective / Noun

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

in academics

Having not met the standard required to pass an examination or course of study. It implies a lack of success or achievement in a particular subject or area.

Synonyms

falling short, flunking, unsuccessful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
failing	Used to describe the inability to complete or accomplish something, often associated with responsibilities or tasks at work or school. Her failing health didn't allow her to continue working. He faced criticism for his failings in leadership.
unsuccessful	Used to describe an attempt, project, or endeavor that did not achieve its intended outcome, often in a broader context including business, sports, or personal goals. Their bid to host the event was unsuccessful. The experiment was unsuccessful due to a lack of funding.
flunking	Primarily used in the context of education, referring to failing a course or examination. She was afraid of flunking her math test. He flunked out of college due to poor grades.
falling short	Used when someone does not meet expectations, standards, or goals. The team fell short of their target for this quarter. Despite his efforts, he fell short of his dream to become a professional athlete.

Examples of usage

She was worried about failing her math exam.
If you keep missing classes, you are at risk of failing the course.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

general

The act of not passing or succeeding in a task, examination, or duty.

Synonyms

defeat, failure, flunk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
failing	Use 'failing' when talking about not meeting a personal goal, task, or standard. Often used in a less formal context. One of my biggest failings is not being able to keep up with my exercise routine. She admitted to her failings as a leader.
failure	Use 'failure' in general contexts to imply an inability to achieve a desired result or meet a specific standard. It can carry a negative connotation and is often used to speak about systems, projects, or businesses. The project was deemed a failure due to poor planning. She feared the failure of her new business venture.
flunk	Use 'flunk' in informal settings, particularly in academic contexts, to mean failing a test or course. It has a negative connotation and is often used colloquially. He was worried he might flunk the exam. If you don't study, you could flunk out of college.
defeat	Use 'defeat' when referring to losing against an opponent or in a competitive situation, such as a game or battle. This term is often used in formal and competitive contexts. The team suffered a crushing defeat in the finals. Despite his initial defeat, he remained determined to win.

Examples of usage

His failing was not studying enough for the test.

Translations

Translations of the word "failing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 falhando

🇮🇳 विफल हो रहा है

🇩🇪 scheitern

🇮🇩 gagal

🇺🇦 зазнає невдачі

🇵🇱 niepowodzenie

🇯🇵 失敗している

🇫🇷 échouer

🇪🇸 fallando

🇹🇷 başarısız

🇰🇷 실패하고 있다

🇸🇦 فشل

🇨🇿 selhání

🇸🇰 zlyhanie

🇨🇳 失败

🇸🇮 neuspešen

🇮🇸 misheppnast

🇰🇿 сәтсіздік

🇬🇪 მარცხდება

🇦🇿 uğursuz

🇲🇽 fallando

Etymology

The word 'failing' originates from the Middle English 'fayling', which is the present participle of 'failen', meaning 'to fail'. The term has been used since the 13th century to describe the lack of success or achievement in various endeavors.

See also: fail, failings, failure, failures.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,351, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.

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4348 transit
4349 creature
4350 steadily
4351 failing
4352 fame
4353 professionals
4354 expended
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