a serious failing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious failing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant deficiency or shortcoming in a person, system, or process. Example: "The project's delay was attributed to a serious failing in communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

This was a serious failing, and the BBC is right to apologise to the complainants".

The Guardian

Walker said Lawson-Cruttenden's approach had been "unacceptable" and a "serious failing".

The Guardian

This is a serious failing of the modern curriculum: the commission is right to call for wholesale reform.

The Guardian - Opinion

And it was a "serious failing of the system" that after 18 months only half the prisoners were in programs or work.

The Guardian

The judge said there had been a "serious failing in the chain of command all the way up to brigade and beyond".

The Guardian

Most critically, who will notice if there is a serious failing in a hospital or practice, and who will be responsible for taking action?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

A more serious failing is the fragmented picture the book gives of this recent spate of corporate malpractice.

The Economist

Cambridge MP Julian Huppert, Liberal Democrat, said: "This is an incredibly serious failing.

BBC

The book's most serious failing is an inability to shed much new light on the Chrysler side of the story.

The New York Times

This was the most serious failing of her campaign.

The Guardian - Opinion

I have said and reiterate again, it is the most serious failing in this force's history.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious failing", ensure the context clearly defines what is failing and why it is considered serious. This provides clarity and strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious failing" for minor issues or inconveniences. Overusing the phrase can diminish its impact and credibility. Reserve it for situations with significant consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious failing" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies something as significantly inadequate or deficient. Ludwig provides several examples where the phrase highlights a critical problem within a system or process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a serious failing" is a common expression used to denote a significant deficiency or shortcoming. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. Its primary function is to express concern or criticism about a major flaw that warrants attention. While similar phrases such as ""a grave error"" or ""a major deficiency"" can be used as alternatives, it's important to reserve "a serious failing" for situations with genuine and considerable consequences to maintain its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grave error

Replaces "failing" with "error" and "serious" with "grave", emphasizing the mistake's significance.

a major deficiency

Substitutes "failing" with "deficiency" and "serious" with "major", highlighting a significant lack or inadequacy.

a significant shortcoming

Replaces "failing" with "shortcoming" and "serious" with "significant", indicating a notable imperfection.

a critical flaw

Substitutes "failing" with "flaw" and "serious" with "critical", stressing the importance of the defect.

a severe lapse

Replaces "failing" with "lapse" and "serious" with "severe", indicating a significant temporary failure.

a profound inadequacy

Replaces "failing" with "inadequacy" and "serious" with "profound", emphasizing a deep lack of something.

a glaring weakness

Replaces "failing" with "weakness" and "serious" with "glaring", highlighting a noticeable vulnerability.

a lamentable mistake

Replaces "failing" with "mistake" and "serious" with "lamentable", expressing regret over the error.

a regrettable blunder

Replaces "failing" with "blunder" and "serious" with "regrettable", indicating a foolish or careless mistake.

a grievous fault

Replaces "failing" with "fault" and "serious" with "grievous", emphasizing the severity of the mistake and its consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "a serious failing" in a sentence?

You can use "a serious failing" to describe a significant deficiency or shortcoming. For example: "The lack of training was "a serious failing" in the project's execution".

What phrases are similar to "a serious failing"?

Similar phrases include "a grave error", "a major deficiency", or "a significant shortcoming", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "a seriously failing"?

No, "a seriously failing" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is ""a serious failing"", where "serious" is an adjective modifying the noun "failing".

What's the difference between "a serious failing" and "a minor oversight"?

"A serious failing" implies a significant defect with considerable consequences, while "a minor oversight" suggests a small, easily corrected error with minimal impact.