failings

NOUN

lapse, shortcoming

Synonyms

STRONGEST

defect deficiency drawback error failure fault flaw foible frailty imperfection weakness

STRONG

infirmity miscarriage misfortune vice

WEAK

blind spot weak point

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advantage benefit perfection strength

WEAK

strong point

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

An ongoing independent inquiry is examining repeated failings and potentially avoidable harm to babies and mothers in the NHS.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

Makary rose in conservative circles as a measured critic of pandemic-era health efforts and the failings of the traditional medical establishment.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Jon Boutcher also told the board "there were a number of absolutely unacceptable police failings in the investigation into the murder of Katie Simpson".

From BBC • May 7, 2026

It is just 16 points from 14 league games since a 3-1 home win over Forest in January and that Villa remain in fifth place owes much to the failings of others.

From BBC • Apr. 30, 2026

And wotsume’er the failings on his part, he were a corn and seedsman in his hart.”

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens