a significant failure of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant failure of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a notable or important lack of success in a particular area or aspect. Example: "The project was deemed a significant failure of management, leading to a complete overhaul of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

There's nothing inherently wrong, of course, with broad brushstrokes and tall tales; but in this case the novel's excesses tend to suggest a significant failure of artistic discipline.

The Guardian - Books

In Steele's official sanctions letter to Choudhry, the provost said the dean demonstrated a "significant failure of judgment", but also complimented him, saying: "You have a very promising career … with your innovative ideas, high energy, and enthusiastic citizenship, and I trust that you will grow into the kind of leader that we both know you can be".

The Guardian

If the administration tries to excuse itself by saying that somehow someone did not ask the right agency, in the right way, at the right time for federal action, it is again showing a significant failure of planning and operational competence in responding to a crisis situation.

The New York Times

At the same time, a significant number of people on the left of American politics are concerned about how the Fed acted in the period leading up to the crisis of 2008 — blaming it for a significant failure of regulation and supervision — and about how much support it currently provides to big banks.

The New York Times

During the experimented period, the soil treated with DOMW showed a significant failure of pH and EC values, compared to the soil FOMW spreading.

International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

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

The New York Times

The failure of the mainstream press to cover the worldwide war on trans people is a significant failure – one of the major trans community events for the last few years has been the International Trans Day of Remembrance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Preliminary results indicate that BMP-7 is more efficacious that PRP as there was a significant failure rate of 6.2% versus 38.5% between BMP-7 and PRP, respectively.

Injury

But later, "as we looked at the data, we saw a significant failure rate outside of that extended warranty," he said, leading to the new seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

The New York Times

"It is a significant failure though in terms of systems onboard I.S.S., and so it's one we need to get after," Mr. Suffredini said.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a significant failure of", ensure you clearly identify what has failed and the impact of that failure. Providing context enhances the reader's understanding of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant failure of" when the failure is minor or inconsequential. Using it for trivial matters dilutes its impact and may make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant failure of" functions as a noun phrase that typically introduces a description or assessment of something lacking success or effectiveness. Ludwig shows that the phrase is often used in contexts where planning, judgment, or policies have fallen short.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant failure of" is a grammatically sound phrase used to denote a notable lack of success. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is most commonly encountered in News & Media and Scientific contexts. The phrase is used to highlight and analyze shortcomings in areas such as planning, judgment, or policy. To ensure clarity and impact, it is important to identify the specific area of failure and its consequences. Avoid overusing the phrase for minor issues, as this can dilute its meaning. Alternatives such as "a major deficiency in" or "a critical flaw in" can be considered to vary your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major deficiency in

Focuses on a lack or inadequacy, emphasizing the absence of something necessary.

a critical flaw in

Highlights a serious defect or imperfection that undermines the integrity or effectiveness of something.

a notable breakdown of

Emphasizes the disruption or cessation of a process or system, indicating a failure to function properly.

a marked lack of

Highlights the absence of something expected or required, drawing attention to its deficiency.

a substantial deficit in

Emphasizes a shortfall or deficiency, often in a quantitative sense, such as a lack of resources or funding.

a considerable inadequacy of

Highlights the insufficiency or unsuitability of something for a particular purpose, emphasizing its limited capacity.

a serious shortcoming in

Emphasizes a defect or weakness that detracts from the overall quality or effectiveness of something.

a glaring omission in

Highlights something that has been left out or excluded, often conspicuously or noticeably.

a fundamental weakness in

Focuses on an inherent flaw or vulnerability that compromises the stability or resilience of something.

a pronounced absence of

Emphasizes a noticeable or conspicuous lack of something, drawing attention to its non-existence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a significant failure of" to describe a notable lack of success in an area, such as, "The project was considered "a significant failure of" planning, leading to its cancellation."

What are some alternatives to "a significant failure of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a major deficiency in", "a critical flaw in", or "a notable breakdown of", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "a significant failure of" and "a minor setback"?

"A significant failure of" implies a substantial lack of success with notable consequences, while "a minor setback" suggests a temporary delay or small problem that doesn't have a major impact.

Is "a significant failure of" formal or informal?

The phrase "a significant failure of" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in news reporting and analytical writing.