Falende

Falende is a Dutch adjective and present participle derived from the verb falen, meaning to fail or to be defective. The word describes something that is failing, not functioning properly, or performing poorly. It is used in standard Dutch and in Afrikaans, and is understood in Flemish varieties of Dutch.

In usage, falende is typically placed before the noun in attributive position: de falende brug (the failing bridge), de falende infrastructuur (the failing infrastructure). It can also describe a person or organization, for example, een falende overheid or een falende beveiliging. The term conveys a sense of inadequacy or unreliability rather than a temporary malfunction alone. In political or technical discourse, falende may accompany systems, services, or institutions to indicate ongoing problems or deficiencies.

Etymology and related terms: Falende comes from falen, the Dutch verb meaning to fail. The -ende suffix marks a present-participial/adjectival form. Related words include falen (to fail), mislukking (failure), and functioneren/werkend (to function/working).

Regional usage: The form is common in the Netherlands and Flanders (Belgium) and is also used in South African Afrikaans, with a similar meaning.

Examples:

- de falende brug

- een falende beveiliging

- de falende infrastructuur

See also: Falen; Mislukking; Functioneren; Defect; Reliability.