accept failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accept failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the importance of acknowledging setbacks or mistakes in a learning or growth context. Example: "In order to improve, we must learn to accept failure as a part of the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"If a founder can accept failure and feel that acceptance from the community, their ambition and appetite for risk taking will stay alive – and even grow".

The Guardian

To never accept failure.

The New York Times - Sports

They are beginning to accept failure.

MIT Technology Review

You need the personal strength to accept failure.

Harvard Business Review

But neither side was prepared to accept failure.

The Economist

These leaders don't just accept failure; they encourage it.

Harvard Business Review

None of them accept failure as a foregone conclusion.

The New York Times

Long after others have given up, they refuse to accept failure.

The Guardian - Opinion

Bishop Gettelfinger added: "I accept failure as part of the human condition.

The New York Times

You've gotta accept failure and you've got to learn to move on.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But if we simply shrug and accept failure then we're storing up much bigger problems.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "accept failure", consider the context to determine if a more proactive or nuanced term like "learn from failure" or "embrace mistakes" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "accept failure" in a way that suggests giving up or not striving for improvement. Emphasize the learning and growth aspects of acknowledging setbacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accept failure" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It signifies the act of acknowledging and coming to terms with unsuccessful outcomes as a natural and inevitable part of a process or endeavor. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accept failure" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that emphasizes the importance of acknowledging setbacks as a natural part of growth and learning. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to convey resilience and encourage a positive mindset towards mistakes. While primarily used in News & Media, it also sees significant use in Formal & Business and Science contexts, indicating its broad applicability. To enhance clarity, consider using alternatives like "acknowledge setbacks" or "learn from errors" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember that accepting failure does not imply complacency but rather understanding its role in the path to success.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Acknowledge setbacks

Focuses on recognizing failures without necessarily accepting them as final.

Learn from errors

Emphasizes the educational aspect of failure, rather than just accepting it.

Embrace mistakes

Suggests a more positive and proactive approach to failure, seeing it as a learning opportunity.

Cope with defeat

Highlights the emotional aspect of handling failure and moving forward.

Rebound from setbacks

Focuses on the ability to recover quickly from failures.

Turn failure into opportunity

Emphasizes transforming negative outcomes into positive learning experiences.

Take failure in stride

Suggests dealing with failure calmly and without excessive emotional reaction.

Make peace with imperfection

Implies accepting that failure is a natural part of any process, rather than striving for perfection.

Understand limitations

Highlights self-awareness and recognizing the boundaries of one's abilities, where failure may be more likely.

Tolerate imperfection

Indicates a willingness to accept less-than-perfect outcomes as a reality.

FAQs

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

You can use "accept failure" to talk about learning and growth, for example, "To innovate, you must "accept failure" as a part of the process".

What are some alternatives to "accept failure"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "acknowledge setbacks", "learn from errors", or "embrace mistakes".

Is it better to "accept failure" or "avoid failure"?

It's generally more constructive to "accept failure" as a learning opportunity rather than trying to avoid it altogether. Avoiding failure can stifle innovation and growth.

What's the difference between "accept failure" and "celebrate failure"?

"Accept failure" implies acknowledging setbacks as a normal part of the process, while "celebrate failure" suggests actively valuing and even encouraging failure as a learning experience. The latter is a more extreme and less common perspective.