a failure to commit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a failure to commit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone does not make a decision or take action, particularly in contexts involving relationships, projects, or responsibilities. Example: "His reluctance to make a decision was seen as a failure to commit to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was a failure to commit a much bigger act".

The New York Times

This risks negative environmental performance being accepted as inevitable and a failure to commit to innovation to improve it.

The Guardian

ARTS & LEISURE For Men, a Failure to Commit Although they earn more, single men in the United States are only half as likely as single women to buy their own homes, according to a recent study.

The New York Times

But the show suffers from a failure to commit: resolutely charting a middle course between cheese-ball parody and something darker and more sophisticated, it manages to be both over the top and consistently flat, too silly to take seriously and too dull to care about.

The New York Times - Arts

If a failure to commit investment on this scale had been made in any private-sector organisation there would have been uproar; the non-executive directors would have asked increasingly tough questions of the chief executive, finance and production directors - and heads would have rolled.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Failure to commit to a date or a relationship can itself be a choice – indeed, the sociology professor who helped Ansari with his book, Eric Klinenberg, wrote Going Solo: The Extraordinary Rise and Surprising Appeal of Living Alone to account for those who have stepped off the treadmill of dating, the nightmare of having more choice but less reason to choose.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's about commitment, or the failure to commit.

Vice

Further dismaying observers was the failure to commit to a timeline for phasing out fossil fuel subsidies.

The Guardian

His eloquence is treated with suspicion – some find it patronising, others boastful – his failure to commit to a team as treason.

The Guardian - Sport

Meanwhile, the shadow treasurer, Chris Bowen, who attended the same event as Fletcher on Monday morning, denied Labor's failure to commit to a specific increase was motivated by the "politics of the issue".

The Guardian

Saeb Erekat, the senior Palestinian negotiator, however, criticised Mr Netanyahu's speech for its "vagueness" on core issues such as the status of Jerusalem and refugees, as well as its failure to commit to a two-state solution.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a failure to commit", ensure the context clearly indicates what the commitment should have been. For instance, specify if it's a commitment to a relationship, a project, or a specific course of action.

Common error

Avoid using "a failure to commit" without specifying the area of commitment. Saying someone has "a failure to commit" without context leaves the statement vague and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a failure to commit" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes the state or instance of not following through with a commitment. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to a situation where someone doesn't dedicate themselves or follow through with an expected action or decision.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a failure to commit" is a noun phrase used to describe the lack of dedication or follow-through in a situation, applicable across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable. While common in news and media, it also finds use in formal business and academic settings. To maximize clarity, specify the area of commitment when using the phrase. Alternatives include "lack of commitment" and "inability to commit". By understanding its usage and context, writers can effectively communicate shortcomings and areas needing improvement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an inability to commit

Emphasizes the lack of capacity or power to make a commitment.

a lack of commitment

Highlights the absence of dedication or willingness to engage fully.

a refusal to commit

Focuses on a deliberate choice not to make a commitment.

a reluctance to commit

Indicates hesitation or unwillingness when faced with a commitment.

a deficiency in commitment

Highlights the inadequacy or shortage of commitment.

a disinclination to commit

Suggests a natural aversion or lack of enthusiasm for committing.

a hesitancy to commit

Implies a pause or delay before making a commitment, often due to uncertainty.

a lapse in commitment

Indicates a temporary break or decline in commitment.

non-commitment

A more concise, direct term for the absence of commitment.

evasion of commitment

Suggests actively avoiding making a commitment.

FAQs

What does "a failure to commit" mean?

It refers to a situation where someone doesn't dedicate themselves or follow through with an expected action or decision. It can apply to various contexts, such as relationships, projects, or agreements.

How can I use "a failure to commit" in a sentence?

Example: "The project's delay was due to "a failure to commit" resources by the management team." Another example: "His "a failure to commit" to the relationship led to its eventual breakup."

What are some alternatives to saying "a failure to commit"?

You can use phrases like "lack of commitment", "inability to commit", or "refusal to commit", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "lack of commitment" or "a failure to commit"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "Lack of commitment" is more direct and concise, while ""a failure to commit"" might emphasize the negative consequences of not making a commitment.