a sudden failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sudden failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected breakdown or collapse of a system, process, or object. Example: "The project came to a halt due to a sudden failure in the software system."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The crash, right, is caused by a sudden failure to his left-rear Michelin tyre.

The Guardian - Sport

A sudden failure mode was observed in the compression zone of the slender sections tested in bending.

Construction and Building Materials

They are afraid of the renewed fighting that could follow a sudden failure of the deal, or that could erupt as a means to scupper it.

The Economist

I feared for the worst every day — a sudden failure of the pregnancy, a car crash, a diagnosis of a serious illness that would force Cathy to terminate the pregnancy to save her own life.

The New York Times - Magazine

You couldn't pin their failure, as you could have done in the past, on a "moment of madness" (something in which we specialize) or a sudden failure of nerve.

The New Yorker

Notably, when crowding is increased beyond this level, there is a sudden failure of protein folding: proteins fix upon a structure more quickly and become trapped in extended conformations.

Journal of Molecular Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

When we eventually saw pictures of the scene, it seemed surprising that an electricity substation serving an entire city, with defences sturdy enough to cope with a once-in-a-hundred-years flood, whose sudden failure could extinguish power in 55,000 homes, resembled a scrap-metal dealer's Portakabin surrounded by sandbags in the middle of a massive puddle.

The Guardian

It is found that these rings experience incremental fatigue failure, followed by a sudden rapid failure.

International Journal of Fatigue

The report found there was a "high risk of sudden failure and flooding from both north and south" and a "potential risk to life".

BBC

We tried for hours to debug the circuit boards, with help from the TA's, but were unable to discern a reason for the sudden failure.

Cornell University

If such appears likely (i.e., following a 600-point one-day drop in the DJIA or sudden failure of a major bank or hedge fund) consider moving cash to insured CDs or treasuries, regardless of yield".– InvesTech Portfolio Strategy, Dec. 14, 2007.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical issues, use "a sudden failure" to clearly indicate an unexpected and immediate breakdown of equipment or systems. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity in technical reports or documentation.

Common error

Avoid using "a sudden failure" when describing a process that has been deteriorating over time. "Sudden" implies an immediate and unexpected event, not a gradual decline. Use terms like "gradual decline" or "progressive degradation" instead to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sudden failure" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies an event or state characterized by an unexpected and immediate breakdown, as Ludwig AI confirms.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sudden failure" is a noun phrase used to describe an unexpected and immediate breakdown or malfunction. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While relatively uncommon, it is a clear and effective way to communicate the abrupt nature of a failure. When writing, ensure that "sudden" accurately reflects the event, distinguishing it from gradual deterioration. Alternatives like "an abrupt breakdown" or "an unexpected malfunction" can be used for subtle variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an abrupt breakdown

Emphasizes the unexpected and immediate nature of the failure.

an unexpected malfunction

Highlights that the failure was not anticipated.

a rapid collapse

Focuses on the swiftness and completeness of the failure.

an instantaneous breakdown

Stresses the immediate and unheralded nature of the failure.

a precipitous decline

Suggests a steep and sudden drop in performance or condition leading to failure.

a catastrophic breakdown

Emphasizes the severity and scale of the failure.

an immediate cessation

Focuses on the complete and immediate stop of function.

a swift deterioration

Highlights the speed at which the condition worsened leading to failure.

an unforeseen fault

Emphasizes that the failure was caused by an unanticipated defect.

a surprise failure

Highlights the unexpected nature of the failure, often implying a lack of warning.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sudden failure" to describe unexpected breakdowns or collapses, such as "The project was delayed due to "a sudden failure" in the network system".

What are some alternatives to "a sudden failure"?

Alternatives include "an abrupt breakdown", "an unexpected malfunction", or "a rapid collapse", depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "a sudden failure" or "an immediate failure"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "a sudden failure" emphasizes the unexpected nature of the event, while "an immediate failure" focuses on the rapidity of the breakdown. The best choice depends on the specific emphasis you want to convey.

What kind of events are typically described using the phrase "a sudden failure"?

"A sudden failure" is typically used to describe technical malfunctions, system breakdowns, or unexpected collapses in various fields, including engineering, technology, and finance. For example, the "a sudden power failure" at an airport, or "a sudden mechanical failure" in an aircraft.