business failed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "business failed" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase in a sentence to describe when a business has ceased operations due to financial difficulty or an inability to run profitably. For example: "The small business failed after only a year due to lack of capital."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Jackie's real estate business failed.

The Guardian - Opinion

The business failed.

The New York Times

" 'This business failed.

The New Yorker

His business failed.

The New York Times

The business failed, through no fault of his.

The New York Times

After the Napoleonic Wars his saltpetre business failed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Your business failed, but not because of you.

The New Yorker

The business failed because he kept giving the watermelons away.

The New York Times - Sports

The business failed in the early 1990's.

The New York Times

Romney was worried, though, that if the new business failed it might damage his reputation.

The New Yorker

When the Frenchman's business failed, Vertue returned home to take up drawing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "business failed", be specific about the reasons for the failure to provide context and clarity. Instead of just stating the business failed, provide the reasons why, if known. E.g "The business failed due to poor marketing and increased competition".

Common error

Avoid attributing a "business failed" solely to 'bad luck'. Explore deeper underlying factors such as flawed business models, inadequate funding or shifting market conditions to give better context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "business failed" functions as a concise statement indicating the unsuccessful termination of a commercial enterprise. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "business failed" is a commonly used expression to describe the unsuccessful termination of a commercial enterprise. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in various contexts, especially in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. When employing this phrase, it's crucial to provide specific reasons for the failure, such as poor financial management or increased competition, to add clarity and depth. While the phrase is generally neutral, selecting more formal alternatives like "entered liquidation" might be appropriate depending on the context. Avoid overgeneralizing the causes of failure to ensure accurate and informative communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

company went bankrupt

Indicates a legal declaration of inability to pay debts, implying a more formal closure.

venture collapsed

Suggests a sudden and often dramatic failure of a business undertaking.

firm went under

An idiomatic expression for a business failing and ceasing operations.

enterprise folded

Implies a complete cessation of business activities, often due to failure.

the business closed down

Focuses on the action of ceasing operations, without necessarily implying failure.

the company ceased trading

Highlights the end of commercial activities, suggesting a formal end to operations.

the business went into liquidation

Indicates a formal process of selling assets to pay off debts after a business failure.

the organization became insolvent

Highlights the inability to pay debts, a key reason for business failure.

the project came to nothing

Shifts focus to the lack of positive results or success, suggesting failure to achieve goals.

the deal fell through

Focuses on the failure of a specific transaction or agreement, implying a setback for the business.

FAQs

How can I use "business failed" in a sentence?

You can use "business failed" to describe the cessation of a company's operations due to unprofitability or other factors. For example: "The small "family business" failed after facing increased competition from larger corporations."

What are some alternative ways to say "business failed"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "company went bankrupt", "venture collapsed", or "firm went under", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "business failed" in formal writing?

Yes, "business failed" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in business reports or news articles. However, consider the audience and context; more formal alternatives like "entered liquidation" might be suitable in some situations.

What are common reasons a business might fail?

Common reasons include poor financial management, lack of market demand, increased competition, and inadequate planning. Stating that a "business failed" is a general statement that often implies one or more of these underlying issues.