WordGarden.iounfailing
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnfˈeɪlɪŋ/
US
- /ənˈfeɪlɪŋ/
Meanings
Adjective
consistently dependable, effective, or present; never letting you down
steadfast and never weakening in support, loyalty, or kindness
Beyond the definition
Something unfailing is always dependable. It keeps going, keeps showing up, or keeps being true in the way you expect. Think of a loyal friend whose support is always there, or a kind person who shows the same care day after day. Unfailing describes something that does not let you down.
A mother's love is often described as unfailing, meaning it continues through difficult times. The word often carries a warm, human feeling. You might read about "unfailing support," "unfailing kindness," or "unfailing loyalty" when someone stays steady no matter what happens.
The word unfailing describes something that stays dependable over time. It does not stop, weaken, or disappear when it is needed. The word often suggests calm strength. Imagine a lighthouse beam cutting through the fog night after night; its light feels unfailing because sailors can trust it to be there.
It is close to "reliable" or "constant," but it often feels stronger and more personal. We often use unfailing for qualities that continue without breaking: unfailing support, unfailing patience, unfailing interest, unfailing loyalty. In these cases, the idea is not just that something happens often, but that it keeps happening steadily, even when life is difficult.
The word is especially common when talking about people, feelings, and human qualities. A parent may show unfailing love. A teacher may offer unfailing encouragement. A friend may remain unfailing in their kindness. It can also be used for things that work with steady regularity, though that is less emotional: an unfailing method, an unfailing remedy, an unfailing instinct for finding good stories.
At its core, unfailing means "not failing" or "never giving out." It points to trust, steadiness, and lasting presence. So when something is unfailing, it is not simply good once or twice. It stays true, stays present, and keeps doing what you can count on it to do.
Examples
- 1
Support
Through the worst months of his illness, she gave him unfailing support.
- 2
Courtesy
He answered every awkward question with unfailing courtesy.
- 3
Memory
My grandmother had an unfailing memory for birthdays.
- Patternhave a memory for + thing
be good at remembering that kind of thing
- 4
Comedy timing
The comedian's unfailing sense of timing made even simple lines funny.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Optimism
Even when the project fell behind, her unfailing optimism kept the rest of us working.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- unwavering
- inexhaustible
- tireless
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- unfailing support
- unfailing courtesy
- unfailing accuracy
- with unfailing regularity
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unfailingadjective