WordGarden.iounfailingly
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnfˈeɪlɪŋli/
US
- /ənˈfeɪlɪŋli/
Meanings
Adverb
always or on every occasion without exception
in a consistently dependable or never-failing way
Beyond the definition
To do something unfailingly means to do it every single time, without exception. It suggests a very high level of consistency and reliability. Think of a loyal dog who greets you at the door every day, or the sunrise that appears each morning. It is more than just doing something often; it means the thing keeps happening and does not let you down. Whether it is a parent who always packs a healthy lunch or a skilled craftsman who keeps producing high-quality work, the word carries a sense of steadiness. It is often used for positive qualities, but it can also point to repeated negative habits: "He unfailingly interrupts whenever someone else is speaking."
"Unfailingly" describes an action or quality that occurs consistently and without exception—always. It is a powerful adverb emphasizing absolute reliability. Unlike simply saying something happens "often," "unfailingly" suggests the action is a guaranteed outcome, almost as if it were an inherent part of the subject's nature.
Think about natural phenomena: the tides unfailingly rise and fall, and the seasons unfailingly change. But the word's reach extends far beyond nature. A dedicated teacher might unfailingly offer extra help to struggling students, a seasoned detective might unfailingly notice subtle clues that others miss, or a well-maintained machine might unfailingly perform its task.
The "un-" prefix means "not," so "unfailingly" literally means "not failing." This highlights the strength of the commitment or regularity implied by the word. It is not just that something usually happens; it is that you can count on it happening every time. However, context is key. While often used for positive attributes, "unfailingly" can also describe predictable negative behaviors: "He unfailingly complains about everything." When you want to emphasize complete consistency and strong dependability, "unfailingly" is a very useful word.
Examples
- 1
Courtesy
She is unfailingly polite to everyone who walks into the shop.
- 2
Family habit
My grandfather unfailingly calls my mother on her birthday every year.
- 3
Workplace replies
Even during the busiest weeks, our manager replies to emails unfailingly quickly.
- 4
Interviews
In interviews, the actor speaks unfailingly well of the directors he has worked with.
- Phrasespeak well of someone
say positive things about someone
See also
Similar
- consistently
- reliably
- without fail
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- unfailingly polite
- unfailingly kind
- unfailingly accurate
- unfailingly cheerful
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unfailinglyadverb