failing
failing — 名詞
1. a small but lasting problem in a person's character or in the way a system or pl
缺點；缺失
性格或系統中的缺陷或不足
a small but lasting problem in a person's character or in the way a system or plan works, which keeps it from being as good as it could be.
Eri's greatest failing is that she tends to speak too quickly during team meetings.
Eri 最大的缺點是她在團隊會議中說話常常太快。
failing + that-clause for a personal weakness
The budget proposal had one major failing — it included no backup plan for emergencies.
預算提案有一個重大缺失——它沒有為緊急狀況準備任何備用方案。
failing of a plan or proposal
Minh admitted that impatience was his biggest personal failing as a manager.
Minh 承認身為主管，沒有耐心是他最大的個人缺點。
Every organisation has its failings, but this one tries hard to learn from its mistakes.
每個組織都有其缺失，但這個組織很努力從錯誤中學習。
A small failing in the hiring process meant the most suitable candidate was never contacted.
招聘流程中的一個小缺失，導致最合適的人選從未被聯絡過。
- weakness
broader term; can describe both character traits and structural vulnerabilities
- flaw
suggests an inherent defect in design or character that undermines integrity
- shortcoming
implies failure to meet a desired standard, especially in performance
- defect
more technical and serious; suggests a measurable failure in function
文法句型
[possessive] failing
failing in [noun]
用法筆記
Commonly describes personal character traits rather than physical defects, though it can also apply to systems and plans. Less strong than 'fault' and often suggests a relatively forgivable shortcoming.
常見錯誤
failing — 介系詞
1. used between two statements to introduce the next possible choice or course of a
否則；不然
表示前一選項不可行時的替代選擇
used between two statements to introduce the next possible choice or course of action, when the first option mentioned cannot be done or is not available.
Try calling Ayesha on her mobile; failing that, leave a message at the front desk.
先打 Ayesha 的手機試試；如果沒有的話，就在櫃檯留言。
fixed phrase: failing that
Mauricio hoped to work as a chef; failing that, he would take any kitchen job.
Mauricio 希望能擔任廚師；若不然，他願意接受任何廚房的工作。
failing that — introducing a backup plan
The first express bus leaves at six; failing that, a local bus departs at seven.
第一班快捷巴士六點出發；如果趕不上的話，七點還有一班區間車。
Kwame planned to study engineering at the national university; failing that, he would apply abroad.
Kwame 計劃就讀國立大學的工程系；如果沒有的話，他會申請國外的學校。
文法句型
failing that
failing which
用法筆記
Always occurs in the fixed phrase 'failing that' or, in formal legal and contractual writing, 'failing which'. Cannot be used alone without a preceding stated option.
常見錯誤
failing — 形容詞
1. gradually losing strength, influence, or the ability to succeed, especially over
衰退中的
正在變弱或變得不成功的
gradually losing strength, influence, or the ability to succeed, especially over a period of time.
The failing family bakery was bought by a chain that promised to keep the recipes.
那家逐漸衰退的家庭式麵包店，被一家承諾保留配方的連鎖企業收購了。
failing + noun of business/institution
Romi's elderly grandfather was taken to hospital with a failing heart.
Romi 年邁的祖父因心臟衰竭被送進醫院。
failing + body part for health decline
Despite his failing eyesight, the old librarian still shelved books from memory.
儘管視力日益衰退，那位老圖書館員仍憑記憶將書本上架。
The team's failing performance over the season led to the coach being dismissed.
球隊整季逐漸下滑的表現，導致教練遭到解職。
Zola struggled to keep the failing farm running through the drought.
Zola 努力在乾旱期間維持那家逐漸衰敗的農場。
- declining
gradual reduction in quality or quantity; slightly broader in use
- weakening
emphasises loss of physical or structural strength
- deteriorating
becoming progressively worse; often used for health or conditions
- thriving
growing or doing very well
- flourishing
developing successfully and strongly
文法句型
failing [noun]
用法筆記
Almost always used before a noun (attributive position). Common with nouns describing health conditions (heart, eyesight, hearing) and struggling organisations (business, company, farm).