a vast failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a vast failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or event that has failed significantly or on a large scale. Example: "The project was intended to revolutionize the industry, but it turned out to be a vast failure, leaving investors disappointed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In the case of a vast failure zone, tightly spaced short rockbolts are installed to establish an artificial pressure arch within the failure zone and long cables are anchored on the natural pressure arch.

Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

For instance, a vast power failure occurred in Southern California in September; within minutes we could tell from the locations of Twitter messages saying "my power just went out" that it was widespread, long before the official announcement.

The New York Times - Science

Simply dismissing the committee and undoing the sequester would be such a vast admission of Congressional failure that it could push down the nation's credit rating, lead to chaos in financial markets and severely cripple hopes for an economic recovery.

The New York Times

If his pontificate is to be deemed a failure, it was a very Polish failure, on a vast, magnificent, heroic scale, conducted with zest and panache, comparable to those mythical Polish cavalrymen charging the German tanks in 1939.

The Guardian

For him, each attempt at a Bach toccata, taken at breakneck tempo, is like a tightrope dash across a vast chasm — the perils of failure are huge.

The New Yorker

Unemployment is nothing but an unacceptable market failure, because a vast amount of good work that needs to be done is left undone.

The Guardian - Business

We call them diseases, but they are really the failure of a vast system of regulations that enable us to function as organisms as well as we do.

Huffington Post

Trottier is a high-strung, tightly wrapped person with a vast history of tremendous successes and humiliating failures.

The New York Times - Sports

It experienced a vast speculative financial collapse in the 19th century, known as the Failure.

The New York Times

Indeed, the failure to make progress produced, in Asia, less a hue and cry than a vast, continental groan.

The New Yorker

"A vast wasteland"!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a vast failure" to emphasize the large scale or significant impact of a failed endeavor or situation. It is most effective when describing projects, plans, or systems that have demonstrably fallen short of expectations on a grand scale.

Common error

Avoid using "vast" indiscriminately. Ensure the scale of the failure genuinely warrants such emphasis. Overuse can dilute the impact and make your writing sound hyperbolic. Consider alternatives if the failure is not truly extensive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a vast failure" functions as a noun phrase, where "vast" is an adjective modifying the noun "failure". This construction serves to describe the magnitude or scope of a particular failure. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a vast failure" is a noun phrase used to describe a failure of considerable magnitude. Ludwig AI indicates it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Analysis reveals that it is most frequently found in News & Media, followed by Science, conveying a sense of significant setback or widespread ineffectualness. While grammatically sound, the phrase should be used judiciously to ensure the emphasis on scale is warranted. Alternatives such as "a colossal failure" or "a massive failure" may be suitable depending on the intended nuance. Given its relatively low frequency, careful consideration should be given to the appropriateness of its use in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a colossal failure

Replaces "vast" with "colossal", emphasizing the immense size or scope of the failure.

a huge failure

Substitutes "vast" with "huge", indicating a failure of considerable magnitude.

a massive failure

Replaces "vast" with "massive", highlighting the large scale and impact of the failure.

a complete debacle

Shifts from describing the failure directly to using the term "debacle", implying a total and embarrassing failure.

a monumental failure

Substitutes "vast" with "monumental", emphasizing the great significance and lasting impact of the failure.

an utter failure

Replaces "vast" with "utter", emphasizing the completeness and totality of the failure.

a sweeping failure

Highlights the broad and extensive nature of the failure.

a grand failure

Uses "grand" instead of "vast", suggesting a failure that is both large in scale and significant in its implications.

a total flop

Replaces the formal "failure" with the more informal "flop", implying a complete lack of success.

a resounding failure

Emphasizes the clear and undeniable nature of the failure, where "resounding" implies a strong and unambiguous outcome.

FAQs

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

You can use "a vast failure" to describe something that has failed on a large scale. For example: "The company's expansion plans turned out to be a vast failure." Consider alternatives like "a colossal failure" or "a huge failure" depending on the specific context.

What are some synonyms for "a vast failure"?

Synonyms include "a massive failure", "a complete debacle", or "a monumental failure". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a vast failure" in formal writing?

Yes, "a vast failure" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when you need to convey the significant scope of a failure. However, be mindful of your audience and ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece. More informal alternatives such as "a total flop" might be better suited for casual contexts.

What's the difference between "a vast failure" and "a significant failure"?

"A vast failure" emphasizes the scale or extent of the failure, while "a significant failure" highlights the importance or impact of the failure. A failure can be significant even if it's not vast, and vice versa. For example, "a sweeping failure" can describe a large project that involved many people, but "a monumental failure" can be a relatively small incident that has huge repercussions.