a significant failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a failure that has considerable importance or impact in a given context. Example: "The project was deemed a significant failure due to the lack of proper planning and execution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

My advice, humbly offered, would be as follows: First, you need a significant failure.

The Guardian

"There is a significant failure of communications regarding the environment," Edelman wrote.

The Guardian

It is considered a significant failure for the Labor Party government of Tony Blair, which promoted and subsidized the Dome.

The New York Times

So we are obviously taking it very seriously, because it is a significant failure".

Independent

The review was carried out by Mark Ellison QC and reported last March, adding that there had been "a significant failure in the disclosure made by the MPS".

The Guardian

9.09am GMT Osborne defends forward guidance What does George Osborne think of the 'scribblers' in the media who have written overnight that forward guidance is a significant failure?

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"It was a very significant failure in reporting," Mr. Portsche said in a recent interview.

The New York Times

Deletions Df(1 ED6906 and Df(1 C128 were the only ones that revealed a highly significant failure to complement.

G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics

It is proposed that a clinically significant failure rate in obese patients would be twice that observed in controls.

BMC Anesthesiology

A second, potentially more significant, failure lay in how the rush to speed up the securitization process trampled traditional property rights protections for mortgages.

The New York Times

Smells like a significant systems failure to me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant failure", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes the failure and its consequences. Provide specific details to illustrate the extent and impact of the failure.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant failure" for minor or inconsequential issues. Reserve this phrase for situations where the failure has a substantial impact or far-reaching consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant failure" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object, describing something that has not succeeded notably. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which highlights its frequent usage in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant failure" is a commonly used phrase to describe a notable lack of success, often implying substantial negative consequences. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals its prevalence in news, science, and business contexts. The phrase functions as a noun phrase, conveying a negative evaluation and emphasizing the importance of the failure. While grammatically correct, it should be reserved for situations where the failure truly has a considerable impact, avoiding its use for minor issues. Consider alternatives like "a major setback" or "a notable deficiency" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial failing

Uses "failing" as a noun instead of "failure", while maintaining a similar level of impact.

a major setback

Replaces "failure" with "setback", emphasizing a temporary delay or obstacle rather than complete defeat.

a critical error

Replaces "failure" with "error", highlighting a mistake that has important consequences.

a considerable shortcoming

Replaces "failure" with "shortcoming", focusing on an imperfection or weakness.

a grave mistake

Emphasizes the seriousness of the error using "grave" instead of "significant".

a notable deficiency

Substitutes "failure" with "deficiency", highlighting a lack of something essential.

a costly misstep

Substitutes "failure" with "misstep", focusing on the negative consequences of the error.

a marked inadequacy

Substitutes "failure" with "inadequacy", stressing the insufficient nature of something.

a serious blunder

Replaces "failure" with "blunder", implying a foolish or careless mistake.

an important collapse

Replaces "failure" with "collapse", suggesting a breakdown or sudden loss of function.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant failure" to describe an event or situation where something has not succeeded in a notable way. For example: "The company's inability to meet its sales targets was "a significant failure"."

What are some alternatives to "a significant failure"?

Alternatives include "a major setback", "a notable deficiency", or "a substantial failing". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always negative to describe something as "a significant failure"?

Yes, the phrase "a significant failure" inherently carries a negative connotation, indicating a notable lack of success or achievement. It's best to use it when you want to emphasize the negative impact of the failure.

What differentiates "a significant failure" from "a minor failure"?

The difference lies in the magnitude of the consequences. "A significant failure" implies substantial negative repercussions or impact, while "a minor failure" suggests only slight or negligible effects.