Synonyms for

Failing

Verb / ˈfeɪlɪŋ / Another word for failing — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Failing means not succeeding or not meeting expectations.

Synonyms & similar words

giveout neglect giveway pass weakness break succeed die manage betray breakdown bomb runout gobad flushit gowrong miscarry conkout passing go fail flunk flunking losing underperforming struggling faltering slipping declining

Synonyms by register

Formal

underperforming deficient inadequate unsound

Informal

bombing flunking not making it screwed

Literary

waning languishing declining

Antonyms

succeeding thriving prospering winning victorious flourishing successful

Common collocations

  • failing grade
  • failing health
  • failing eyesight
  • failing to meet
  • failing to launch
  • failing economy
  • failing system

Word family

noun failure
verb fail
adjective failing
adverb failing

Usage note

The adjective 'failing' often describes something that is in the process of becoming unsuccessful or deteriorating, such as 'failing health' or a 'failing grade'. It implies an ongoing negative trend rather than a completed event.

Example sentences

  1. I am failing my science class.
  2. Her failing grades are causing her to be grounded.
  3. He is struggling and failing to pass his driving test.
  4. The company is failing to meet its sales goals.
  5. I am afraid of failing my piano recital.

Quotes

  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. - Robert F. Kennedy
  • Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently. - Henry Ford

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