an indication of failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an indication of failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a sign or signal that suggests something has not succeeded or has gone wrong. Example: "The project's delays were an indication of failure in the planning process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The comment triggered an angry response from international Jewish groups, who decried it as an indication of failure on the part of German authorities.

The New York Times

He tried to keep going no matter what, as if to ask for help or take a rest would be an indication of failure.

The New York Times

He was in no way trained to be a leader, and so his impatience with his companions is really human, not an indication of failure, and his ingenuity in the face of horrible odds is all the more astounding.

The New York Times - Books

While he did not regard the lack of deep impact of Buber's contributions to biblical studies, Hasidism, and Zionist politics as an indication of failure, Kaufmann considered I and Thou a shameful performance in both style and content.

SEP

When it flashes, it is not an indication of failure or neglect, but an invitation for corrective action before things go from bad to worse.

Huffington Post

The presence of disease-associated protein aggregation is often an indication of failure of cellular processes maintaining protein homeostasis [ 3].

Aging

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

One PFW mock-up with HIPped Be tile was tested at 2.5 MW/m2 for 1000 cycles without any indication of failure.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Remaining positive for TB bacteria is an indication of treatment failure and thus 'incomplete treatment' in this study also includes treatment failure.

BMJ Open

Violent increase of AE events is an indication of rock failure.

Procedia Engineering

"Today is an indication of another failure of this president's policies — 36 months in a row of 8 percent-plus unemployment," he said.

The New York Times

Its occurrence can be an indication of incipient failure within power equipment such as power transformers, underground transmission cable or switchgear.

Electric Power Systems Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an indication of failure", ensure the context clearly identifies what constitutes "failure" in the given situation. Providing specific details strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid presenting "an indication of failure" as a definitive outcome. It's a sign or possibility, not a guaranteed result. Use qualifiers like "potentially" or "may suggest" to maintain appropriate nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an indication of failure" functions as a noun phrase identifying something that suggests an unsuccessful outcome. Ludwig examples show its usage in contexts ranging from medical conditions to political assessments, signaling potential problems.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an indication of failure" serves as a noun phrase denoting a sign or symptom suggesting an unsuccessful outcome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While common in both formal and informal writing, it is most frequently encountered in news and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, consider context and avoid overstating the certainty of failure. Alternatives like ""a sign of failure"" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sign of failure

Replaces "indication" with "sign", offering a more direct and less formal alternative.

evidence of failure

Replaces "indication" with "evidence", suggesting a more concrete and verifiable sign of failure.

a symptom of failure

Uses "symptom" to suggest that the failure is part of a larger problem.

a marker of failure

Substitutes "indication" with "marker", implying something that distinctly identifies failure.

a forewarning of failure

Substitutes "indication" with "forewarning", emphasizing that the sign provides advance notice of failure.

a signal of failure

Uses "signal" to highlight the communicative aspect of the failure's indication.

a precursor to failure

Uses "precursor" to indicate that the sign precedes and potentially causes the failure.

a hint of failure

Employs "hint" to indicate a subtle or less obvious sign of failure.

a harbinger of failure

Replaces "indication" with "harbinger", implying that the sign is a herald of future failure.

an omen of failure

Substitutes "indication" with "omen", suggesting a more foreboding and potentially inevitable failure.

FAQs

What does "an indication of failure" mean?

It refers to a sign, symptom, or piece of evidence that suggests something is not succeeding or has gone wrong.

What can I say instead of "an indication of failure"?

You can use alternatives like "a sign of failure", "a symptom of failure", or "evidence of failure" depending on the context.

How to use "an indication of failure" in a sentence?

Example: "The project delays were an indication of failure in the initial planning stages."

Is it better to say "indication of failure" or "sign of failure"?

Both are correct, but "sign of failure" is slightly more direct and informal, while "an indication of failure" may sound more formal and analytical.