unfailingly
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /ʌnfˈeɪlɪŋli/
US
- /ənˈfeɪlɪŋli/
Description
- always
- without fail
- consistently
- invariably
- reliably
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.
Phrase
speak well of someone
say positive things about someone
See also
adverbalways or reliably, without exception
Similar
- consistently
- reliably
- without fail
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- unfailingly polite
- unfailingly kind
- unfailingly accurate
- unfailingly cheerful
Word family
Explore
- dependability
- regularity
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- unfailinglyadverb