Synonyms for failing
Most common
All synonyms
Noun
1. Failure — weakness; defect
failure, shortcoming, weakness, fault, trouble, decay, decline, deterioration, defect, deficiency, lapse, frailty, imperfection, infirmity, miscarriage, foible
Definitions
- n. 1
weakness; defect
His worst failing is his temper.
Forms
- Plural
- failings → failures, shortcomings, weaknesses, faults…
Example sentences
- trouble The word processor will save you a lot of trouble.
- failure Tom attributed his failure in the exam to illness.
- fault Tom's actions aren't my fault. Just remember that.
Popularity over time
| Word | 1850 → 2019 | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| failing | steady | |
| trouble | rising | |
| failure | steady | |
| fault | steady | |
| shortcoming | steady |
Use in printed books, per decade from 1850 to 2019.
By length
- 5 letters
- fault1, decay2, lapse1
- 6 letters
- defect2, foible2
- 7 letters
- trouble2, failure2, decline2, frailty2
- 8 letters
- weakness2
- 9 letters
- infirmity4
- 10 letters
- deficiency4
- 11 letters
- miscarriage3, shortcoming3
- 12 letters
- imperfection4
- 13 letters
- deterioration6
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (decay2 = 2 syllables).