failings

USAGE SUMMARY

'failings' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is often used to describe weaknesses, flaws, or shortcomings of a person, system, or thing. Example: Despite her many talents, the singer's vocal failings held her back from achieving stardom.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There he once returned to the dressing room after training to find armed men eager to berate the team for their failings.

The Guardian - Sport

A crisis-hit hospital has been cleared of deliberately manipulating cancer treatment waiting times – with a review finding any failings were the result of managerial incompetence, not corruption.

The Guardian

We are stepping into the gap left by parties that are now opposition in name only, exposing the economic and social failings of the establishment.

The Guardian

For all the failings of the system he got that bed.

The Guardian

One of the main failings in the criminal justice response to this abhorrent form of sexual abuse is that, having criminalised the practice in 1985, all concerned sat back and waited for a little girl to walk into a police station and tell a strange adult what her mummy and daddy had allowed someone to do to her.

The Guardian - Opinion

Charles Kennedy (Former leader of Liberal Democrats dies aged 55, theguardian.com, 2 June) was a rarity in public life: a thoroughly decent man who was honest enough to admit his failings and who was not treated kindly for doing so.

The Guardian

Of course, Latin America's left-leaning governments have no shortage of failings, from corruption to crime.

The Guardian - Opinion

David Cameron was accused of playing into the hands of rightwing extremists today as he delivered a controversial speech on the failings of multiculturalism within hours of one of the biggest anti-Islam rallies ever staged in Britain.

The Guardian

The report said Network Rail was taking action to ensure there was no repeat of the failings.

The Guardian

His failings were laid bare, his tantrums leaked, inconsistencies pulled apart on the front pages and on the evening news.

The Guardian - Opinion

His wretched failings as a manager were cruelly exposed.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing institutional or systemic problems, use "failings" to highlight areas where improvements are needed to prevent future issues.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something has "failings" without specifying what those failings are. Provide specific examples or details to support your claim and make your analysis more persuasive.

Linguistic Context

The term "failings" functions primarily as a noun, typically used in the plural form. It denotes deficiencies, weaknesses, or shortcomings in a system, organization, or individual, often implying a negative consequence or need for improvement. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "failings" is used to critique or analyze such deficiencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "failings" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to denote deficiencies or weaknesses, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to highlight areas needing improvement and maintains a neutral register. When using "failings", it's best practice to provide specific context to avoid vagueness and to pinpoint the issues being addressed. Alternative phrases such as ""shortcomings"" or ""weaknesses"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shortcomings

Emphasizes deficiencies or inadequacies in performance or quality.

weaknesses

Focuses on areas where someone or something is not strong or effective.

deficiencies

Highlights a lack of something essential or required.

flaws

Points out imperfections or defects that detract from overall quality.

faults

Indicates responsibility for errors or mistakes.

imperfections

Stresses the lack of ideal qualities or standards.

limitations

Highlights the boundaries or constraints affecting performance.

vulnerabilities

Emphasizes susceptibility to harm or weakness.

errors

Focuses on mistakes or inaccuracies.

lapses

Highlights temporary failures or deviations from expected behavior.

FAQs

How can I use "failings" in a sentence?

You can use "failings" to point out defects or shortcomings in a system, person, or organization. For example: "The report highlighted the "failings" of the healthcare system."

What are some alternatives to using "failings"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "shortcomings", "weaknesses", or "deficiencies" to convey a similar meaning.

Is there a difference between "failings" and "mistakes"?

"Failings" often refers to systemic or repeated issues, while "mistakes" typically indicates individual, isolated errors. You can say "The "failings" of the system led to several "mistakes" by the staff."

When is it appropriate to use "failings" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "failings" when you need to address flaws or weaknesses that have a negative impact or contribute to a problem. For instance, "Addressing the "failings" of the infrastructure is crucial for the city's future."