a mark of failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a mark of failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that indicates or signifies a failure in a particular context or situation. Example: "The project's inability to meet its deadlines was seen as a mark of failure by the stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Happiness would have been a mark of failure.

The Guardian - Books

That would be no small achievement, but it would probably be seen by Mr Wilson as a mark of failure.

The Economist

He told New York's Village Voice: "Commercial success is a mark of failure for a graffiti artist.

Independent

Post-92 head "I like to reassure staff that if they are not returned, it is not a mark of failure".

The Guardian

In this confrontation-averse age of parenting, in which the "escalation" of emotions is considered a mark of failure, a favorite way of inculcating discipline is the reading of picture books.

The New Yorker

All must be scrubbed to a mirror-like cleanliness; the sort of staining and tarnish which your pans at home might carry as a mark of service, is here a mark of failure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

Trying to solve Najaf's problems by Yankee fire is a mark of abysmal failure.

The Guardian

The NDP has yet to realize that the howls of out-of-touch pundits would not be a mark of its failure but a guarantee of its promise.

The Guardian

In the terms set by Abbott, terms long familiar to Australians and strange to Europeans, the arrival of a single boat is a mark of government failure.

The Guardian

If she had been honest, Mrs Thatcher would have said that apart from a few bizarre, incomprehensible Lefties, it was a mark of economic failure to use state schools and not have health insurance.

Independent

The God talk in Africa is a mark of the failure of the economic, social and political system," Bishop Kukah added, "We are being called left, right and center to mend the broken pieces of what are considered the failing states of Africa".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a mark of failure", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes failure in that specific situation. For instance, specify whose standards are not being met or what objectives are not being achieved.

Common error

Avoid using "a mark of failure" in situations that are merely setbacks or learning experiences. This phrase carries a strong negative connotation, so reserve it for situations where the consequences are genuinely serious or irreversible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a mark of failure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies something as representative of or signifying failure. Ludwig provides various examples where the phrase is used to attribute a characteristic of failure to a situation or entity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase “a mark of failure” serves as a noun phrase expressing a negative assessment, identifying something as indicative of a lack of success. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While the phrase is common in News & Media, Academia, and Science, it should be used judiciously to avoid overdramatizing situations. Consider alternatives like "a sign of failure" or "an indication of defeat" depending on the specific context. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines the criteria for what constitutes failure in that specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an indication of defeat

Changes the noun from 'failure' to 'defeat', emphasizing the sense of being beaten or overcome.

a sign of unsuccessfulness

Replaces "failure" with "unsuccessfulness", which is a more formal and less common word.

a symbol of shortcoming

Substitutes "failure" with "shortcoming", focusing on a specific defect or weakness.

a measure of inadequacy

Replaces "failure" with "inadequacy", highlighting the state of not being good enough.

a testament to deficiency

Uses "testament to deficiency" to suggest strong evidence of lacking something important.

an emblem of poor performance

Substitutes 'mark' with 'emblem' and 'failure' with 'poor performance', making it more descriptive.

a badge of non-achievement

Changes "mark" to "badge" and "failure" to "non-achievement", implying a visible sign of not accomplishing something.

a representation of ineffectiveness

Uses "representation of ineffectiveness" to indicate that something symbolizes a lack of desired effect.

an attribute of foundering

Replaces "failure" with "foundering", implying a complete breakdown or collapse.

a trait of unfulfillment

Substitutes "failure" with "unfulfillment", suggesting a lack of satisfaction or completion.

FAQs

How can I use "a mark of failure" in a sentence?

You can use "a mark of failure" to describe something that indicates a lack of success or a failing in a particular area. For example, "The consistently low test scores were "a mark of failure" for the school's new teaching methods."

What are some alternatives to saying "a mark of failure"?

Alternatives include "a sign of failure", "an indication of defeat", or "a symbol of inadequacy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a sign of failure" or "a mark of failure"?

Both "a sign of failure" and "a mark of failure" are acceptable. "A mark of failure" might suggest a more lasting or impactful indication, while "a sign of failure" could be more temporary or suggestive.

When is it appropriate to use "a mark of failure"?

Use "a mark of failure" when you want to emphasize that something is a clear and significant indicator of unsuccessfulness. It's suitable for situations where the failure has noticeable consequences or implications.