I. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English failling, failing, from gerund of faillen, failen to fail
: an often slight or venial disadvantageous foible, personality defect, or character weakness
has all the failings of our common lot — Ronald Rubinstein
Synonyms: see fault
II. preposition
Etymology: from present participle of fail (I)
: in absence, default, or lack of : in case of nonoccurrence of : without
failing specific instructions, use your own judgment
failing brothers and sisters, cousins may inherit