I. ˈfā-liŋ noun
Date: 1590
: a usually slight or insignificant defect in character, conduct, or ability
Synonyms: see fault
II. preposition
Date: 1810
: in absence or default of
failing specific instructions, use your own judgment
FAILING
Meaning of FAILING in English
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary. Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster. 2003