failing crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're grappling with the clue "failing crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of solutions, broken down by letter count, along with detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle and understand the logic behind the answers.
Solutions for "failing crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
WEAK: Lacking strength or effectiveness, often used to describe a failing system or performance.
FLOP: To be a complete failure, especially a performance or product.
6 Letters
LOSING: Being defeated or unsuccessful; in a state of not winning or succeeding.
8 Letters
DECAYING: Undergoing a process of decomposition; deteriorating, which implies failing over time.
12 Letters
UNSUCCESSFUL: Not achieving the desired aim or result; failing.
More About "failing crossword clue"
The term "failing" in a crossword clue often points to a state of decline, deficiency, or an inability to meet expectations. It's a versatile word that can describe anything from a physical object breaking down, a business going bankrupt, to a student not passing an exam. When encountering this clue, it's crucial to consider the context of the puzzle and any accompanying words to pinpoint the exact meaning the constructor intended.
Crossword setters love to play with the multiple meanings of words. "Failing" could be a verb, an adjective, or even part of a common idiom. For instance, "failing health" might lead to answers related to decline, whereas "failing project" could point to words like "flop" or "collapse." Always think about the literal and figurative interpretations of the word to unlock the solution.
Beyond simple synonyms, clues related to "failing" might require you to think about antonyms of success, efficiency, or robustness. Sometimes, the answer will describe a consequence of failure rather than failure itself. By analyzing the word length and cross-referencing with other completed letters in your grid, you can effectively narrow down the possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Wordplay: For clues like "failing," consider if it's a noun, verb, or adjective. Look for indicators of wordplay such as homophones, anagrams (less likely for a single word like 'failing' but useful for full clues), or hidden words.
- Consider Nuances of "Failing": Think about different types of failure: physical, metaphorical, academic, or financial. Each context might lead to a different set of synonyms (e.g., DECAYING for physical, LOSING for competitive, FLOP for artistic).
- Utilize Known Letters: If you have some letters filled in from intersecting words, use them as powerful constraints. For example, if you know the answer is 4 letters and starts with 'F', 'FLOP' becomes a strong candidate.
- Think About Common Crosswordese: Some words appear frequently in crosswords due to their useful letter patterns or common meanings. While "failing" isn't classic crosswordese, its synonyms might be.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "failing" mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, "failing" can refer to a state of decline, not succeeding, or collapsing. It often points to synonyms like "weak," "losing," "decaying," or even more abstract terms depending on the clue's nuance. Consider the context and number of letters.
How can I find answers related to "failing" quickly?
Look for direct synonyms of "failing" or words describing a state of failure, decline, or imperfection. Consider words of various lengths, and think about different contexts: physical failure, a project's failure, or even a failing grade. Checking surrounding letters in your grid can also narrow down possibilities.
Are there common word patterns or indicators for "failing" clues?
Clues for "failing" might include indicators like "going downhill," "not working," "on the decline," "in trouble," or "not succeeding." Answers often end in -ING (like LOSING or DECAYING) or are adjectives describing a negative, diminished state such as WEAK or UNSUCCESSFUL.