failure to reach a minimum required performance; "his failing the course led to his disqualification" a flaw or weak point; "he was quick to point out his wife's failings" below acceptable in performance; "received failing grades
The failings of someone or something are their faults or unsatisfactory features. Like many in Russia, she blamed the country's failings on futile attempts to catch up with the West = shortcoming
You say failing that to introduce an alternative, in case what you have just said is not possible. Find someone who will let you talk things through, or failing that, write down your thoughts. a fault or weakness