afraid of failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "afraid of failure" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it whenever you want to express fear of potential failure or lack of success. For example: John was afraid of failure, so he worked hard to make sure he succeeded in the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Newspapers are afraid of failure.

The Guardian

Never be afraid of failure.

The Guardian

"Before, I was afraid of failure.

The New York Times

"You can't be afraid of failure.

The New York Times

"I was afraid of failure, and now all that's gone".

The New York Times

Are Elmgreen and Dragset afraid of failure on the plinth?

The Guardian - Arts

"We weren't afraid of failure; we were afraid of success.

The New York Times

"I'm not afraid of failure," Hall said later.

The New Yorker

He was unsure of himself and afraid of failure.

The New Yorker

"In France, the entrepreneur is afraid of failure".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Branson is acutely afraid of failure because it would tarnish his image as a marketing Midas.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing personal growth or entrepreneurial ventures, use "afraid of failure" to underscore the emotional challenges involved and how overcoming that fear is crucial for success.

Common error

While "afraid of failure" is a common phrase, avoid using it repetitively in a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "fearful of failure" or describing the specific anxieties related to potential setbacks to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "afraid of failure" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of being. It expresses a feeling of apprehension or fear related to the possibility of not succeeding. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Huffington Post

25%

Guardian

10%

Less common in

Science Magazine

5%

Forbes

5%

Vice

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "afraid of failure" is a common and grammatically sound way to express apprehension about potential unsuccessful outcomes. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use across various contexts. It’s particularly frequent in News & Media, The Guardian, and Huffington Post. While synonyms like "fearful of failure" and "scared of failure" exist, varying your language can improve clarity and maintain reader engagement. Remember, overcoming the fear of failure is a crucial aspect of personal and professional growth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fearful of failure

Uses a synonym for "afraid", maintaining the same structure and meaning.

scared of failure

Replaces "afraid" with "scared", a more informal synonym, slightly altering the tone.

fear of failing

Shifts the focus to the act of failing itself, rather than a state of being afraid.

concerned about failure

Substitutes "afraid" with "concerned", suggesting a milder level of worry.

apprehensive about failing

Uses "apprehensive", a more formal synonym for "afraid", indicating a sense of unease.

anxious about not succeeding

Rephrases to emphasize the anxiety related to a lack of success.

hesitant due to potential failure

Focuses on the hesitation caused by the possibility of failure.

aversion to failure

Highlights a strong dislike or avoidance of failure.

reluctant to risk failure

Emphasizes the reluctance to take risks that might lead to failure.

intimidated by the prospect of failure

Focuses on the feeling of being intimidated by the potential for failure.

FAQs

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

You can use "afraid of failure" to describe someone's reluctance to try new things or take risks. For example, "He was "afraid of failure", so he never pursued his dream of starting a business."

What are some synonyms for "afraid of failure"?

Alternatives include "fearful of failure", "scared of failure", and "concerned about failure". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "fear of failure" or "afraid of failure"?

Both "fear of failure" and "afraid of failure" are grammatically correct and commonly used. "Fear of failure" emphasizes the concept of the fear itself, while "afraid of failure" describes a state of being. The choice depends on the context and desired emphasis.

How does the fear of failure affect innovation?

The fear of failure can stifle innovation by making people hesitant to take risks and experiment with new ideas. Overcoming this fear is often seen as essential for fostering creativity and progress. Some examples of dealing with this can be found using the term "overcoming fear of failure".