How to say "failing" in Japanese

• 弱みよわみCommon
  nounCovers 'failing' as a weakness or shortcoming of a person, something one is not good at or that can be used against them; it also means 'sore point', so it fits contexts of personal vulnerability.
• 病気びょうきJLPT N5approx.Common
  nounFor 'failing' in the sense of a bad habit or bad behaviour, a weakness treated figuratively as an ailment; as a literal word it normally means illness, so it suits a habitual fault rather than a general shortcoming.

For 'failing' as a personal weakness or shortcoming, 「弱み」 is the usual choice; 病気 can also render 'failing' in the sense of a bad habit or weakness, often figuratively, so choose by whether you mean a shortcoming or a bad behaviour.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 弱みよわみ(a) weakness
• 病気びょうきbad habit
• 転びころびfailure