a failure to perform

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a failure to perform" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is discussing the inability or lack of action in fulfilling a duty or obligation. Example: "The contract was terminated due to a failure to perform as stipulated in the agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Mr. O'Neill told reporters that the administration's disclosure plan would have a strict enforcement mechanism "to assure that if there's a failure to perform, that the justice will be swift and sure".

The New York Times

The cause of the oversights in the 208 responses was most often a failure to perform the physical examination at all — in 63percentt of the cases, the study states.

Stanford University

You also make the point that another area in which there has been a failure to perform is in the area of foreign policy and addressing what you call the narrative of the terrorists.

University of California, Berkeley

The agency was faulted for inadequate staffing, a cozy relationship with the oil industry, a failure to perform regular inspections of oil rigs and lax enforcement of environmental and safety rules.

The New York Times

The contract suggests that he will continue to receive his salary and medical benefits until Feb. 1, 2004, because his employment was not terminated for dishonesty intended to result in personal enrichment, a failure to perform his duties or carry out United Way policy, or a conviction of felony.

The New York Times

There were no limitations on geography, specialty, or practice setting.Of the 208 reported vignettes that met inclusion criteria, the oversight was caused by a failure to perform the physical examination in 63%; 14% reported that the correct physical examination sign was elicited but misinterpreted, whereas 11% reported that the relevant sign was missed or not sought.

Stanford University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It is often very narrow, limited to things like conviction of a felony or a complete failure to perform material duties under the contract".

The New York Times

"A mere failure to perform cannot be anything but a matter of covenant". The distinction was often difficult to make, and lawyers attempted to devise artful ways of getting around it; at times, courts would simply characterize a nonfeasance as a misfeasance.

Harvard University

Types of litigation in ultrasonography (including the ultrasonography performed in the emergency setting) involves the following groups: missed diagnoses, misinterpreted sonograms, invented lesions, delay in communicating information to a clinician, failure to perform sonography, fraud cases, procedure-related cases, and sonographer-related suits [19].

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Nurses were instructed not to assist with the procedure or to answer any queries unless absolutely necessary to avoid a complete failure to perform the test.

Diabetes Care

In a previous study, failure to perform a complete diagnostic evaluation after a positive FOBT was due to physician decisions in 33% of cases, and 43% of these physician decisions were inappropriate (Jimbo et al, 2009).

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a failure to perform", ensure that the context clearly identifies what specific action or duty was not fulfilled. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a failure to perform" without specifying the task or duty that was neglected. For example, instead of saying "There was a failure to perform", specify "There was a failure to perform the scheduled maintenance", for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a failure to perform" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes an instance where a required action has not been executed. For example, "a failure to perform his duties" illustrates its role as a subject complement.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a failure to perform" is a noun phrase used to describe an instance where an expected action or duty has not been completed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in various contexts, especially those requiring precise language and accountability. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "non-performance", it serves to specifically highlight instances of non-compliance. The frequency analysis suggests that while not rare, it appears most commonly in scientific, news, and academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly identifies the specific action or duty that was not fulfilled to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-performance

This is a more concise, single-word alternative that directly indicates the absence of performance.

a breach of duty

This alternative emphasizes the violation of a responsibility or obligation.

a dereliction of responsibility

This highlights a neglectful abandonment of an assigned duty.

neglect of obligation

Focuses on the lack of attention or care given to a required commitment.

omission of action

This emphasizes the absence of a specific action that was expected or required.

a lapse in execution

Highlights a temporary failure in carrying out a task or plan.

inadequate fulfillment

Suggests that the performance was below the required standard or expectation.

a shortfall in delivery

Emphasizes the deficiency in providing the expected outcome or result.

default on commitment

Indicates a failure to meet the terms of an agreement or promise.

a lack of adherence

Highlights the non-compliance with established rules, standards, or guidelines.

FAQs

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

You can use "a failure to perform" to describe a situation where someone or something does not complete a required action or duty. For example, "The contract was terminated due to a failure to perform the agreed-upon services".

What are some alternatives to "a failure to perform"?

Some alternatives include "non-performance", "a breach of duty", or "neglect of obligation", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "a failure to perform" and "a refusal to perform"?

"A failure to perform" implies an inability or neglect to carry out a task, while "a refusal to perform" suggests a deliberate unwillingness to do so. The key difference lies in intent and willingness.

Is "failure to perform" or "a failure to perform" grammatically correct?

Both "failure to perform" and "a failure to perform" can be grammatically correct, depending on the context. "A failure to perform" is generally used when referring to a specific instance or example of non-performance. "Failure to perform" is more general.