a failed campaign

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a failed campaign" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an attempt or effort, particularly in a political or marketing context, that did not achieve its intended goals. Example: "The candidate's message did not resonate with voters, leading to a failed campaign that resulted in a significant loss at the polls."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

As early as the fifth century BC, King Goujian never allowed himself to forget a failed campaign that had cost him his kingdom and his liberty.

The Economist

This political inequality is mostly a product of a failed campaign finance system, in which those with greater economic power have greater political power.

The New York Times

In each, he asked about Mr. McCabe's wife, Jill, who ran a failed campaign as a Democrat for the Virginia State Senate.

The New York Times

Attorney General John Ashcroft has recused himself from the case because he accepted contributions from Enron in a failed campaign for re-election to the Senate.

The New York Times

The primary money in a failed campaign can be given by the candidates to charity or, in limited amounts, to other candidates and political committees.

The New York Times

Doctors are spending an enormous amount of time arguing with insurers". Republicans, bruised and exhausted by a failed campaign to repeal the Affordable Care Act, were giddy about the chance to attack Democrats and Sanders.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

But the idea that we should maintain the status quo of a miserably failed campaign against drug use is ignorant of the externalities of such a war, as well as potential reform that could actually alleviate drug addiction.

HuffPost

Amarasingam believed that a high-profile, failed campaign to ban the niqab at citizenship ceremonies in Quebec may have played an important role.

The New Yorker

After such an unedifying performance, it is hard to believe that Mrs Clinton's failed campaign represents a missed opportunity for America.

The Economist

Mr. Schundler was a worker in Gary Hart's failed campaign for the 1980 Democratic presidential nomination.

The New York Times

In 1994, Lewandowski ran his own failed campaign for a seat on the Massachusetts state legislature.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the reasons behind "a failed campaign", be specific. Instead of just stating it failed, analyze key factors like strategy, messaging, or external circumstances that contributed to the outcome.

Common error

Avoid attributing the failure solely to one factor. Acknowledge the interplay of various elements, such as inadequate resources, poor timing, or shifting public sentiment, to offer a balanced and nuanced explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a failed campaign" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "failed" modifies the noun "campaign". This is consistent with Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a failed campaign" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to describe an unsuccessful organized effort. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and examples show it across various domains, including news, politics, and marketing. When using this phrase, be specific about the reasons for failure and avoid overgeneralizations. Remember that the phrase inherently carries a negative connotation, so choose it carefully to convey the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unsuccessful endeavor

Replaces "campaign" with a more general term for effort, implying a lack of success.

a losing battle

Uses a metaphor to convey the sense of defeat and lack of progress.

a fruitless effort

Emphasizes the lack of positive outcomes or results from the endeavor.

a collapsed initiative

Highlights the breakdown or termination of a planned undertaking.

a derailed project

Suggests that a project went off track and did not reach its intended destination.

a thwarted attempt

Indicates that an attempt was prevented or blocked from succeeding.

a botched attempt

Emphasizes mistakes that made the campaign fail.

an abortive mission

Uses military terminology, suggesting that the campaign was cut short.

a futile struggle

Implies that the effort was pointless and unable to produce a desired outcome.

an unproductive strategy

Focuses on strategy which had negative effects.

FAQs

How can I use "a failed campaign" in a sentence?

You can use "a failed campaign" to describe any organized effort that did not achieve its intended goal. For example: "The politician's lack of experience led to "a failed campaign" and a significant loss at the polls."

What are some alternatives to "a failed campaign"?

Alternatives include "an unsuccessful endeavor", "a losing battle", or "a fruitless effort", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a failed campaign"?

Yes, the phrase "a failed campaign" inherently carries a negative connotation, indicating a lack of success. However, it can also be used to analyze the reasons behind the failure and learn from the experience.

What factors typically contribute to "a failed campaign"?

Common factors include poor strategy, inadequate funding, ineffective communication, lack of public support, and unforeseen external circumstances. Understanding these factors is crucial for analyzing and preventing future failures.