abrupt failure

USAGE SUMMARY

"abrupt failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to the sudden or unexpected ending of a process, event, plan, or endeavor. For example, "Unfortunately, the project was met with an abrupt failure when the funding dried up."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

"The markets might have been spared the turmoil of Lehman's abrupt failure".

The New York Times

Earhart's first attempt to circumnavigate the globe by air ended in abrupt failure when she crashed during a takeoff, and was grounded at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

The Guardian

The abrupt failure even turned Con Edison's headquarters building near Union Square dark for several minutes before a generator kicked on, he said.

The New York Times

NEW YORK — In a sale of striking contrasts, sensational world records were set for some Old Masters, while abrupt failure hit others in Christie's traditional winter auction of Old Master paintings on Wednesday.

The New York Times - Arts

The notched Ni P beam showed linear deformation behavior followed by abrupt failure.

Ultramicroscopy

Limits are indicated by abrupt failure of the detonation after some distance of propagation.

Combustion and Flame

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

That became obvious this week as gigantic prices alternated with abrupt failures to sell.

The New York Times

As a result, the systems can be interrupted by various kinds of disturbance, e.g., component degradation and abrupt failures.

IFAC-PapersOnLine

Yet, however, in spite of this, and usually due to inadequate maintenance, inadequate assembly, errors in the design or manufacturing processes, or due to accidents, abrupt failures of the plant's vital elements can occur.

Engineering Failure Analysis

The fundamental characteristic of this risk society is its interconnectedness and interdependence that makes systems and networks highly complex so much so that they are often vulnerable to abrupt failures.

Hazards, Risks and Disasters in Society

In addition, transverse reinforcing bars (No. 3) were placed to avoid abrupt shear failure and to ensure flexural failure of the beam.

International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events where the speed of the failure is crucial, use "abrupt failure" to emphasize the suddenness and lack of warning. This can be especially effective in technical reports or news articles detailing unexpected incidents.

Common error

Avoid using "abrupt failure" to describe processes that deteriorate gradually over time. "Abrupt failure" is best suited for situations where the failure is sudden and unexpected, not the result of a slow decline.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "abrupt failure" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a specific type of event—a failure that is sudden and unexpected. Ludwig provides examples where it's used to describe mechanical failures, system crashes, and financial collapses.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abrupt failure" is a noun phrase used to describe the sudden and unexpected cessation of function or operation. It's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in scientific and news-related contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. When writing, remember that "abrupt failure" emphasizes the speed and lack of warning associated with the failure. Avoid using it to describe gradual declines. Instead, opt for synonyms like "sudden breakdown" or "unexpected collapse" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden breakdown

Emphasizes the immediate cessation of function.

unexpected collapse

Highlights the unforeseen nature of the failure event.

precipitous decline

Focuses on a rapid and significant drop in performance or condition.

instantaneous malfunction

Stresses the immediate nature of the operational failure.

swift termination

Implies a quick and decisive ending.

immediate cessation

Highlights the abrupt stopping of an activity or process.

unforeseen interruption

Focuses on the unexpected disruption of an ongoing process.

sharp downturn

Describes a sudden and negative shift in a trend or situation.

rapid disintegration

Suggests a quick and complete breakdown of structure or function.

unexpected halt

Emphasizes the surprising and immediate stop of an activity.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "abrupt failure" in a sentence?

Use "abrupt failure" to describe a sudden and unexpected cessation of function or operation. For example, "The machine experienced an "abrupt failure" due to a power surge".

What are some alternatives to "abrupt failure"?

Consider using phrases like "sudden breakdown", "unexpected collapse", or "precipitous decline" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sudden failure" semantically the same as "abrupt failure"?

While both terms indicate a lack of warning, "abrupt failure" emphasizes a more immediate and unexpected stop compared to "sudden failure", which may imply a slightly longer period of decline before the final point of failure.

In what contexts is "abrupt failure" most appropriate?

"Abrupt failure" is especially fitting in technical, scientific, or formal reports detailing mechanical, system, or financial incidents where the unexpected nature of the failure is a key factor. According to Ludwig, this phrase is commonly found in science and news & media contexts.