Not doing so well in school

noun

1. A usually slight or insignificant defect in character, conduct, or ability

preposition

1. In absence or default of

   "failing specific instructions, use your own judgment"

verb

1. To lose strength weaken

   "her health was failing"

2. To fade or die away

   "until our family line fails"

3. To stop functioning normally

   "the patient's heart failed"

4. To fall short

   "failed in his duty"

5. To be or become absent or inadequate

   "the water supply failed"

6. To be unsuccessful

   "the marriage failed"

7. To become bankrupt or insolvent

   "banks were failing"

8. To disappoint the expectations or trust of

   "her friends failed her"

9. To miss performing an expected service or function for

   "his wit failed him"

10. To be deficient in lack

    "never failed an invincible courage"

11. To leave undone neglect

    "fail to lock the door"

12. To be unsuccessful in passing

    "failed chemistry"

13. To grade (someone, such as a student) as not passing

    "The teacher failed only his two worst students."

noun

1. A grade/mark that shows that someone did not pass a test or course of study

   "He received a failing grade/mark in chemistry."

idiom

1. If something (already specified) does not happen or succeed

   "We could try to persuade them by arguing or, failing that, we could threaten to cancel the deal."