a failed effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a failed effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an attempt that did not succeed or achieve its intended goal. Example: "Despite the team's hard work, it ultimately resulted in a failed effort to secure funding for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Romm and Wilson read Seneca's posturing as a failed effort to get himself recalled to Rome.

The New Yorker

In April 1983, after a failed effort to kill herself, she was found to have hydro­encephalitis.

The New York Times - Books

The Dalai Lama fled Tibet in 1959, after a failed effort to gain independence from China.

The New York Times

Then he led a failed effort to target it that ­produced a government shutdown.

The Washington Post

And a failed effort to clean up the filthy River Ganges will at last get going after 30 years.

The Economist

Flynn frequently battled with the CIA, which mounted a failed effort to have Cohen-Watnick removed from his job.

The Washington Post

In 2008, Mr. Miller, by then a regional Republican leader, led a failed effort to oust the state party chairman, Randy Ruedrich.

The New York Times

Google has ventured into health before, including with company investments and personal ones related to the founders' health issues and a failed effort at online medical records.

The New York Times

It also includes stories on a cholera outbreak in Cuba, rising defaults on Brazilian loans and a failed effort to contest the result of Mexico's presidential election.

The Economist

A failed effort to find online information about volunteer opportunities for his family in their hometown gave Mr. Armstrong the idea for Patch.

The New York Times

He's a former mountain climber who, after a failed effort to climb the world's second-highest mountain, K2, began building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a failed effort" to introduce a turning point or a new strategy. Highlight what was learned from the failure to set the stage for future success.

Common error

While "a failed effort" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "unsuccessful attempt" or "fruitless endeavor" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a failed effort" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "failed" modifies the noun "effort". As Ludwig AI explains, it describes an attempt that did not succeed or achieve its intended outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a failed effort" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe an attempt that did not succeed. Ludwig AI confirms that it's appropriate for diverse contexts, especially in news and media, with neutral formality. Alternatives like "unsuccessful attempt" or "fruitless endeavor" can offer variety in writing. Remembering to provide context and avoid overuse are key best practices. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's versatility and frequent use in conveying unsuccessful outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unsuccessful attempt

Focuses on the lack of success in the attempt, similar to "a failed effort" but using different vocabulary.

a fruitless endeavor

Emphasizes the lack of positive outcome or result from the effort.

a vain attempt

Highlights the futility and ultimate ineffectiveness of the attempt.

an abortive undertaking

Describes an effort that was cut short or did not fully develop.

a futile exercise

Emphasizes the pointlessness and lack of value in the effort.

a lost cause

Indicates that the effort was doomed to fail from the start.

an ineffectual measure

Highlights the lack of impact or effectiveness of the action taken.

a non-starter

Suggests the effort never had a chance of succeeding.

a misfire

Implies that the effort went wrong or backfired.

a washout

Suggests a complete and utter failure of the effort.

FAQs

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

You can use "a failed effort" to describe an attempt that did not achieve its intended goal. For example, "The project was abandoned after "a failed effort" to secure additional funding."

What are some alternatives to "a failed effort"?

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

Is "failed attempt" the same as "a failed effort"?

While similar, "a failed effort" can imply a more prolonged or substantial undertaking than "failed attempt". "A failed effort" suggests more resources and energy were invested.

What's the best way to describe the outcome of "a failed effort"?

When describing the outcome, focus on the consequences or lessons learned. For instance, "The company had "a failed effort" to launch a new product, resulting in significant financial losses."