Failings

/ˈfeɪlɪŋz/ noun

Definition

Weaknesses, faults, or ways that someone is not good at something; shortcomings.

Etymology

From 'fail' (to fall short, not succeed) + '-ing' (forming a noun). The 's' makes it plural. 'Fail' comes from Latin 'fallere' (to deceive or disappoint), appearing in English by 1200s.

Kelly Says

Latin 'fallere' (to deceive) perfectly captures why we fail—we fall short of what we promised or expected. The word contains a sense of broken expectations, not just falling down but letting someone down.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.