What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
failing
Example
One of his failings is his inability to take criticism. [failing: noun]
Example
She felt like she was failing at her job because she couldn't meet the sales targets. [failing: present participle]
Example
His failing was not realizing the impact his actions would have on others. [failing: gerund]
fault
Example
It's my fault that we missed the train because I didn't check the schedule. [fault: noun]
Example
He faults himself for not studying harder for the exam. [faults: verb]
Example
The car broke down due to a manufacturing fault. [fault: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fault is more commonly used than failing in everyday language. Fault is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while failing is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between failing and fault?
Both failing and fault can be used in formal and informal contexts, but fault is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
