be considered a failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be considered a failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the perception or judgment of success or failure in various contexts, such as personal achievements, projects, or business outcomes. Example: "If the project does not meet its objectives, it may be considered a failure by the stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Anything less than awesome will be considered a failure.

The Guardian - Film

By any standards, Caadp should be considered a failure.

The Guardian

If Mulvey's dismissal was due to results, then the Dutchman's tenure must be considered a failure.

The Guardian - Sport

Anything less than promotion, and it will be considered a failure.

The Guardian - Sport

If the army was destroyed, the commander would be considered a failure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Until they come to be judged, Neil's entire family life must be considered a failure.

The New York Times

But Schumacher's return could by no means be considered a failure.

The New York Times - Sports

Does that mean Mr. Bush should be considered a failure if he gets 44percentt or less?

The New York Times

—Are you saying that even if you have a record-breaking opening weekend you'll still be considered a failure?

The New Yorker

Tooth loss can be considered a failure of current oral health care strategies.

The Journal of the American Dental Association

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

A huge amount of money was spent and still they were considered a failure.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be considered a failure", clearly define the criteria for success or failure to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify what metrics are being used to evaluate the outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "be considered a failure" without providing context. Instead of saying 'The project was considered a failure', specify by whom or according to what standards it was deemed a failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be considered a failure" functions as a predicative expression, where "failure" acts as a subject complement following the passive verb construction "be considered". The phrase indicates an evaluation or judgment about something's lack of success, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be considered a failure" is a common expression used to denote that something has not met its intended goals or expectations. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. While the phrase conveys a negative assessment, it’s essential to provide context regarding who is making the judgment and by what standards. Alternatives like "be deemed unsuccessful" or "fall short of expectations" can offer subtle variations in meaning. In summary, the expression is widely recognized and usable, but ensure clarity and context to maximize its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be deemed unsuccessful

Focuses on a judgment of lacking success, a more formal alternative.

be regarded as a setback

Emphasizes the negative impact on progress, shifting from complete failure to a partial one.

be seen as inadequate

Highlights a lack of sufficiency rather than outright failure, implying a lower standard.

fall short of expectations

Indicates a discrepancy between anticipated and actual outcomes, softening the notion of failure.

not measure up to standards

Suggests a failure to meet pre-defined criteria, placing emphasis on objective assessment.

prove to be ineffective

Focuses on a lack of ability to produce the desired result, highlighting the functional aspect of failure.

be labeled a disappointment

Highlights the emotional response to a lack of success, shifting the focus to subjective feelings.

not achieve the intended result

Underscores the absence of the planned outcome, focusing on the objective failure to reach a goal.

be considered a flop

Implies a complete and often embarrassing failure, usually in the context of entertainment or commercial ventures.

end in futility

Emphasizes the wasted effort and lack of meaningful outcome, highlighting the unproductive nature of the endeavor.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to "be considered a failure"?

When something "be considered a failure", it means that it is judged as not having achieved its intended goals or desired outcomes. The assessment often involves comparing the actual results against a set of expectations or standards.

What are some synonyms for "be considered a failure"?

Alternatives include "be deemed unsuccessful", "fall short of expectations", or "be regarded as a setback", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "be considered a failure" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe various situations: "If the product doesn't meet sales targets, it will be considered a failure." or "The intervention might "be labeled a disappointment" if it doesn't improve patient outcomes."

Is it always negative to "be considered a failure"?

While often negative, being considered a failure can also provide valuable learning opportunities. Recognizing what went wrong can lead to improvements and future successes, making it a stepping stone rather than a final judgment.