personal failings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "personal failings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individual shortcomings or weaknesses, often in a moral or ethical context. Example: "He acknowledged his personal failings and sought to improve himself through therapy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He conceded that some of Mr. Davis's problems stemmed from "his own personal failings, personality deficiencies, being a loner.

The New York Times

Mr. Barak has lost this election not merely because of personal failings but because of failed policies.

The New York Times

Their personal failings haven't helped.

The Economist

His personal failings are entirely visible.

The Guardian - Books

But he has come under fire for his personal failings.

The Economist

He added that he was "dealing with my behaviour and personal failings behind closed doors".

Independent

South Carolina Republicans forgave Mr. Gingrich for his personal failings: he won their primary in 2012.

The New York Times

Part of it is triumph over demons and admission of personal failings.

The New York Times - Sports

Whatever his personal failings, Rodriguez, as a member of the union, retains that right.

The New York Times - Sports

But I do prefer dogs because they are more tolerant of my personal failings.

The New York Times - Science

The fake-news phenomenon is not the result of personal failings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "personal failings" when referring to shortcomings that have a direct impact on behavior or decision-making. This phrase is most effective when describing specific, identifiable weaknesses.

Common error

Avoid using "personal failings" as a broad, unsubstantiated criticism. Always provide concrete examples or evidence to support your claims. Overgeneralizing can lead to unfair judgments and a lack of credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "personal failings" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to individual shortcomings or weaknesses. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is commonly used to describe moral, ethical, or character-related deficiencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "personal failings" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to individual shortcomings or weaknesses, often of a moral or ethical nature. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. The analysis reveals that the phrase is most frequently encountered in News & Media sources, suggesting a neutral to slightly formal register.

When using "personal failings", it's important to be specific and provide context to avoid overgeneralizations. Alternatives such as "individual weaknesses" or "character flaws" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. However, avoid using the phrase as a broad, unsubstantiated criticism without providing concrete examples or evidence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individual weaknesses

Replaces "failings" with a more neutral term, focusing on general areas of weakness rather than specific moral lapses.

personal shortcomings

A direct synonym, replacing "failings" with "shortcomings" to denote deficiencies or imperfections.

individual imperfections

Emphasizes that everyone is imperfect; a general term for human fallibility.

character flaws

Focuses specifically on deficiencies in character, implying moral or ethical weaknesses.

personal flaws

Similar to "character flaws" but can also refer to minor weaknesses that are not necessarily moral failings.

moral weaknesses

Highlights deficiencies in moral strength or ethical behavior.

human frailties

Emphasizes the common, inherent weaknesses of human nature.

personal defects

Uses a more clinical or detached term to refer to individual imperfections.

areas for improvement

A more positive and constructive way to refer to weaknesses, framing them as opportunities for growth.

personal limitations

Highlights the boundaries or constraints on an individual's abilities or actions.

FAQs

How can I use "personal failings" in a sentence?

You can use "personal failings" to describe individual shortcomings or weaknesses, often in a moral or ethical context. For example: "He acknowledged his "personal failings" and sought to improve himself through therapy."

What are some alternatives to "personal failings"?

Alternatives include "individual weaknesses", "personal shortcomings", or "character flaws" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to discuss someone's "personal failings" in a professional setting?

Discussing someone's "personal failings" in a professional setting should be done with caution and sensitivity. Focus on how those failings affect their work or the team, rather than making it a personal attack. If you must, choose more neutral alternatives like "areas for improvement".

What's the difference between "personal failings" and "mistakes"?

"Personal failings" generally refer to inherent weaknesses or character flaws that contribute to repeated errors or poor behavior, while "mistakes" are typically isolated incidents caused by oversight or lack of knowledge. Mistakes don't necessarily imply inherent "personal failings".