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Failings Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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failings

[ˈfeɪlɪŋz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

personal development

Weaknesses or shortcomings in a person's character or behavior.

Synonyms

flaws, shortcomings, weaknesses.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
failings

Used to describe someone's mistakes or lack of abilities, often in a general sense.

  • Despite his failings, he was still a respected leader
  • Her failings as a manager were evident in the team's poor performance
weaknesses

Used to discuss areas where someone or something lacks strength or effectiveness, often in a constructive context.

  • She has a few weaknesses in her knowledge of mathematics
  • Understanding your weaknesses is the first step to improvement
shortcomings

Used when pointing out the areas where something or someone falls short of expectations or standards.

  • The report highlighted several shortcomings in the new policy
  • Despite his many shortcomings, he is a dedicated worker
flaws

Used to describe defects or imperfections in something that is otherwise functional or good, such as a character flaw or a flaw in an item.

  • The vase had a few flaws, but it was still valuable
  • Her main flaw is her inability to delegate tasks

Examples of usage

  • He acknowledged his failings and vowed to improve himself.
  • Her failings were overshadowed by her positive traits.
Context #2 | Noun

academic

Unsuccessful attempts or lack of success in achieving a particular goal or task.

Synonyms

lack of success, setbacks, unsuccessful attempts.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
failings

Used to refer to personal weaknesses or flaws, typically in character or behavior.

  • His failings as a leader were evident when he couldn't inspire his team
  • She was aware of her failings and worked hard to overcome them
unsuccessful attempts

Describes specific efforts that did not achieve the intended result. Often used to convey the idea of trying multiple times.

  • Despite several unsuccessful attempts, he did not give up on learning to play the guitar
  • Their unsuccessful attempts to fix the machine led them to seek professional help
lack of success

Often used in a more neutral or formal context to describe situations where success was not achieved.

  • The lack of success in the initiative was largely due to insufficient funding
  • Despite their lack of success, the team remained motivated
setbacks

Refers to obstacles or delays that hinder progress. It implies temporary hinderance rather than complete failure.

  • The project faced several setbacks but ultimately succeeded
  • She saw the setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow

Examples of usage

  • Despite her failings in the exam, she remained determined to succeed.
  • The team learned from their failings and adjusted their strategy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Recognizing one’s failings can lead to personal growth, as it allows for reflection and improvement.
  • People often experience a fear of failings, leading to anxiety or avoidance behaviors.
  • Studies show that accepting our own failings can increase resilience and emotional well-being.

Literature

  • Great literary characters often encounter their failings, which contribute to their development and the story's conflict.
  • Shakespeare’s works frequently explore the failings of his characters, illustrating the human condition.
  • Modern literature often portrays failings as opportunities for redemption, making them central to character arcs.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, acknowledging failings is viewed as a step towards humility and personal development.
  • Eastern philosophies often emphasize that recognizing one's flaws can lead to inner peace and understanding.
  • Conversely, Western cultures may focus on success and achievement, sometimes stigmatizing failings.

Education

  • In education, discussing failings with students can normalize mistakes and promote a growth mindset.
  • Feedback on failings is essential in learning, helping individuals to identify areas for improvement.
  • Many educational systems are shifting towards assessing 'learning outcomes' rather than solely focusing on grades, thereby addressing failings constructively.

Origin of 'failings'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'faillir,' which means 'to fall short' or 'to fail.'
  • It evolved in the English language around the late 14th century, illustrating a shift in perception towards personal shortcomings.
  • The base of the word is 'fail,' which indicates not meeting a certain standard or expectation.

The word 'failings' is derived from the verb 'fail,' which originated from the Old French word 'faillir' meaning 'to fail, miss, not succeed.' The concept of 'failings' has been present in human language and behavior since ancient times, reflecting the universal recognition of imperfections and shortcomings in individuals. Over the years, the word has evolved to encompass various contexts, from personal development to academic pursuits.

See also: fail, failing, failure, failures.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,060, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.