— failingly , adv. — failingness , n.
/fay"ling/ , n.
1. an act or instance of failing; failure: His failing is due to general incompetence.
2. a defect or fault; shortcoming; weakness: His lack of knowledge is a grave failing.
prep.
3. in the absence or default of: Failing payment, we shall sue.
[ 1250-1300; ME; see FAIL, -ING 1 ]
Syn. 2. See fault .