my failing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my failing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a personal shortcoming or weakness, often in a reflective or self-critical context. Example: "I recognize that my failing is my inability to manage time effectively, which often leads to stress."

✓ Grammatically correct

Personal reflection

Self-criticism

Discussion of shortcomings

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

This is my failing".

The New York Times

I have never felt so proud of my failing gender.

The Guardian - Opinion

My failing is composing; I really fall down in composing.

The Guardian - Music

The fact we hadn't earlier is my failing, not anybody else's.

Independent

"That was my failing last year; I made too many assumptions.

The Guardian - Sport

My failing this year is that I haven't made as many putts.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

My deepest failing is that my San Francisco is not hers.

The New York Times - Books

It is here where my feelings of failing my brothers are rooted.

Vice

Is my memory failing me? asked Nick Evans.

The Guardian - Sport

10.1 Why is my servlet failing with a can-be-response?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The hardest part of my business failing was not the loss of the business.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "my failing", be specific about the area of weakness. For example, instead of saying "My failing is that I'm not good enough", try "My failing is that I struggle with time management".

Common error

Avoid using "my failing" simply as a self-deprecating statement without genuinely reflecting on the issue. Ensure that when you identify a failing, you're also considering steps toward improvement or understanding its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my failing" functions as a noun phrase where "failing" is a noun modified by the possessive pronoun "my". It acts as a subject complement or an object of a preposition, identifying or describing a specific weakness or deficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Huffington Post

23%

The Guardian

13%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

8%

The New Yorker

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "my failing" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to denote a personal weakness or shortcoming. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a practical and appropriate way to acknowledge a deficiency, particularly in reflective or self-critical contexts. While alternatives like "my weakness" or "my shortcoming" can be used, "my failing" often carries a stronger sense of personal responsibility. It's important to use the phrase thoughtfully, accompanying it with introspection and a focus on potential improvement, rather than merely as a self-deprecating remark. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources, showcasing its relevance in diverse discussions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my weakness

Substitutes "failing" with a more general term for a personal deficiency.

my shortcoming

Replaces "failing" with a synonym that emphasizes a lack of completeness or adequacy.

my fault

Shifts the focus to responsibility for an error or problem.

my deficiency

Uses a more formal term to indicate a lack or inadequacy.

my inadequacy

Highlights a feeling of not being good enough or capable.

where I fall short

Emphasizes the point at which one's abilities or performance is lacking.

my Achilles' heel

Employs a metaphor to describe a specific, critical vulnerability.

my area for improvement

Frames the failing as an opportunity for growth and development.

my biggest challenge

Presents the failing as a difficult obstacle to overcome.

my blind spot

Indicates an area where one lacks awareness or understanding.

FAQs

How can I use "my failing" in a sentence?

You can use "my failing" to acknowledge a personal weakness or shortcoming. For example: "My failing is that I often procrastinate, which affects my productivity."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "my failing"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "my weakness", "my shortcoming", or "my fault" as alternatives to "my failing".

Is it appropriate to use "my failing" in professional communication?

Yes, it can be appropriate in professional settings when used to demonstrate self-awareness and a commitment to improvement. However, be mindful of the context and avoid excessive self-criticism.

What's the difference between "my failing" and "my mistake"?

"My failing" generally refers to a consistent weakness or deficiency, while "my mistake" refers to a specific error or action. A failing is an ongoing characteristic, whereas a mistake is a one-time event.