a gallant failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a gallant failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an attempt that, despite not succeeding, is characterized by bravery or noble effort. Example: "Though the expedition did not reach its destination, it was considered a gallant failure, showcasing the team's courage and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Charles Goodhart of the London School of Economics called them a "gallant failure" in a review.

The New York Times

Prediction A gallant failure or two, a couple of hammerings and a tight battle with Afghanistan.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Aside from getting a big tick in the corporate social responsibility box, other companies use world record attempts as a way of getting coverage for a particular event or issue and because British people prize gallant failure above all things, it usually doesn't matter too much if you fail to smash the target.

The Guardian - Money

Dempsey had headed over from a Bale corner and it looked as though Tottenham's calvary charge might yield nothing more than gallant failure.

The Guardian - Sport

But, while he might not be as good a racehorse as some of the gallant failures from the past, in the context of this particular race, he might be the best that O'Brien has ever sent to the Classic.

The Guardian - Sport

A gallant fighter who grew weary.

The New York Times

Now she has become a gallant quarterfinalist.

The New York Times - Sports

WAS it a gallant gesture from a doting husband?

The Economist

His favored dressing gown is of a gallant jade hue.

The New Yorker

Of course, the statue also honors a gallant horse.

The New York Times

In it, Mee, fists flailing, played a gallant part.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a gallant failure" to describe situations where effort and intention were commendable, even if the outcome was not successful. This highlights the positive aspects of the endeavor, offering a balanced perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "a gallant failure" to describe mundane or trivial setbacks. The term implies a degree of nobility and significant effort, so reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant such praise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a gallant failure" functions as a noun phrase. It combines an adjective ("gallant") that describes the quality of the noun ("failure"). According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English and denotes an attempt marked by bravery or noble effort.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a gallant failure" is a noun phrase used to describe an attempt that, despite not succeeding, is characterized by bravery or noble effort. As noted by Ludwig, the expression is valid in written English. It is commonly found in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with scenarios where the effort was genuinely commendable, and consider alternatives like "noble defeat" or "heroic failure" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

noble defeat

Focuses on the admirable qualities despite the lack of success.

heroic failure

Emphasizes the bravery and self-sacrifice involved in the unsuccessful attempt.

valiant effort in vain

Highlights the courage and determination, while acknowledging the lack of positive outcome.

courageous but futile attempt

Points out the bravery, but also the lack of chance of success.

honorable loss

Stresses that the failure doesn't diminish the dignity of the one who failed.

spirited but unsuccessful endeavor

Highlights the enthusiasm and energy invested, despite the negative result.

plucky but doomed venture

Focuses on the courage and determination of the attempt, even if it was always going to fail.

brave but ill-fated undertaking

Underlines the bravery and the unfortunate destiny of the attempt.

gallant yet ineffective action

Highlights the courage and nobility of the action, but also its inability to achieve the desired result.

dignified setback

Focuses on maintaining composure and honor despite the failure.

FAQs

How can I use "a gallant failure" in a sentence?

You can use "a gallant failure" to describe an attempt that, despite not succeeding, is characterized by bravery or noble effort. For example: "Though the expedition did not reach its destination, it was considered "a gallant failure", showcasing the team's courage and determination."

What can I say instead of "a gallant failure"?

You can use alternatives like "noble defeat", "heroic failure", or "valiant effort in vain" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the term "a gallant failure"?

It is appropriate to use "a gallant failure" when describing a situation where someone or a group of people attempted something difficult or risky with courage and determination, but ultimately did not succeed. The term suggests that the attempt was admirable despite the lack of success.

What's the difference between "a gallant failure" and a simple failure?

"A gallant failure" implies that the failure was preceded by a noble or heroic effort. A simple failure, on the other hand, does not necessarily suggest any admirable qualities or significant effort preceding the lack of success.