major failing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major failing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant flaw or shortcoming in a person, system, or process. Example: "The project's major failing was its lack of proper planning, which led to numerous delays and budget overruns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chris Hopson, chief executive of the Foundation Trust Network, said: "Despite the lurid headlines when the review was announced, there is no repetition of Mid Staffs here; there is no evidence of major failing in the vast majority of trusts; and there is some good practice to celebrate.

The Guardian

It's a major failing.

The Guardian - Tech

This is a major failing.

The New York Times

This is the iQ's major failing: it's too broad.

Independent

The only major failing here is a technical one, which is the game's inability to handle multi-level buildings.

The Guardian - Tech

Klein's major failing is that he does not connect the stock market crash of 1929 to the Great Depression.

The New York Times - Books

But the MCAT has had one major failing in its otherwise brilliant performance: It has been unable to consistently predict personal and professional characteristics.

The New York Times

One major failing though for sure of Sir Mervyn's tenure and one that may scupper his place in history is the bank's treatment of savers.

Independent

But Hamdani conceded the involvement of educated members of the Muslim elite, such as Jinnah and Iqbal, was "a major failing".

The Guardian

In a different kind of novel, such things wouldn't matter, but when verisimilitude is your game, any small departure from it can feel like a major failing.

The Guardian - Books

But it seems it would have been difficult for the Munich gunman to obtain his gun legally without a major failing of German ownership regulations.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "major failing", ensure the context clearly defines what is failing and why it is considered major. Be specific about the consequences or impact of the failing.

Common error

Avoid using "major failing" for minor issues or inconveniences. Reserve it for situations where the flaw genuinely has significant negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major failing" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies and describes a significant flaw or defect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "major failing" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote a significant flaw or deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. Its frequency is very common, appearing most often in News & Media, Science, and Academic writing. When using "major failing", clarity and context are essential to ensure the gravity of the failing is understood. Alternatives like "critical flaw" or "significant deficiency" can offer subtle differences in emphasis. Ensure the term is reserved for genuine, impactful flaws to avoid overstatement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

critical flaw

Emphasizes the severity and importance of the failing.

significant deficiency

Highlights a lack or shortage in something important.

serious shortcoming

Focuses on an inadequacy or defect that hinders performance.

key weakness

Points out a vulnerable area that can be exploited.

fundamental defect

Indicates a problem at the core or base of something.

principal fault

Suggests the main or most important error.

primary inadequacy

Highlights the main area where something is insufficient.

glaring imperfection

Emphasizes that the imperfection is easily noticeable.

pronounced limitation

Stresses the extent and visibility of the limitation.

central liability

Focuses on the main source of responsibility or problem.

FAQs

How to use "major failing" in a sentence?

Use "major failing" to describe a critical flaw or deficiency. For example, "The project's "major failing" was its lack of proper planning." You can also say the "critical flaw" or "significant deficiency".

What can I say instead of "major failing"?

Alternatives include "critical flaw", "significant deficiency", "serious shortcoming", or "key weakness", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "major failing" or "major failure"?

Both "major failing" and "major failure" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Failing" emphasizes the ongoing nature of the problem, while "failure" suggests a completed event. The choice depends on whether you're describing a continuous deficiency or a singular event.

What's the difference between "major failing" and "minor failing"?

"Major failing" refers to a significant flaw or deficiency with substantial consequences, while "minor failing" indicates a less important or less impactful issue. A "major failing" can cause significant problems, whereas a minor one might only cause slight inconvenience.