How to pronounce failing
Say it like FAY-ling. Failing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FAY).
- FAY
- ling
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Failing pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- lingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of failing
American and British speakers say failing in essentially the same way: /ˈfeɪlɪŋ/ in the US and /ˈfeɪlɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: FAY-ling.
What does failing mean?
- present participle and gerund of fail How to pronounce fail
- weakness; defect“His worst failing is his temper.”
- If what follows is not possible; without.“A large proportion of the females employed in other firms are said to have signified their intention of going on strike, failing a settlement.”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with failing
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of failing.
Questions about saying failing
How do you pronounce failing?
Say FAY-ling. The American pronunciation is /ˈfeɪlɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈfeɪlɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in failing?
Failing has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FAY). Broken into parts: FAY · ling.
Do Americans and Brits say failing the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈfeɪlɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˈfeɪlɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.