a weakness, especially in a person's character; a shortcoming

pride is a terrible failing

in the absence of; if not

she longed to be with him and, failing that, to be alone

be unsuccessful in achieving one's goal

he failed in his attempt to secure election

they failed to be ranked in the top ten

neglect to do something

the firm failed to give adequate risk warnings

cease to work properly; break down

a lorry whose brakes had failed