cannot afford to fail

USAGE SUMMARY

"cannot afford to fail" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It expresses that someone or something must not fail, because the consequences would be too great. You can use this phrase in a variety of contexts, such as: - In business or professional settings, to emphasize the importance of success: "I cannot afford to fail at this presentation. It could make or break my career." - In personal goals or ambitions, to show determination: "I am training hard every day because I cannot afford to fail at the upcoming marathon. I have to prove to myself that I can do it." - In situations where failure is not an option, such as in a critical emergency: "As the pilot, I cannot afford to fail at landing this plane safely. I have to stay focused and make the right decisions." - In relationships, to express the significance of avoiding mistakes: "I cannot afford to fail at being a good partner to you. I will do everything I can to make this relationship work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

We cannot afford to fail them by failing to protect – to the best of our ability, given the weakness of the hand that we have been dealt – the economic growth, workers' rights and security that have been the defining features of the UK's membership of the European Union for the last 43 years.

The Guardian - Opinion

We cannot afford to fail.

The Guardian - Opinion

We cannot afford to fail in Iraq.

The New York Times

They cannot afford to fail this season".

The Guardian - Sport

"We cannot afford to fail again.

The Guardian

Republicans cannot afford to fail this test".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

Though educators are fond of saying you learn from failure, with today's stakes, the best students know you cannot really afford to fail.

The New York Times

We can't afford to fail.

Independent

There is no reason we can't create a dynamic mortgage market with plenty of competition, free of an unhealthy dependence on institutions we cannot afford to let fail.

The New York Times

Indeed, given her iconic value, he cannot afford to let her fail.

The Economist

We cannot afford to see them fail.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cannot afford to fail", clearly state the consequences of failure to emphasize the importance of success. For example: "We "cannot afford to fail" this product launch, as it's crucial for the company's growth."

Common error

Avoid using "cannot afford to fail" in situations where the consequences of failure are minimal. Overusing it can diminish its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. Reserve it for truly critical situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cannot afford to fail" functions as a strong assertion of necessity, indicating that success is crucial and the consequences of failure are unacceptable. Ludwig AI shows that it is commonly used in contexts where high stakes are involved.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cannot afford to fail" is a powerful expression used to underscore the absolute necessity of achieving a specific outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across diverse contexts, notably in news, business, and scientific domains. It conveys a sense of urgency and highlights the severe consequences that would result from failure. When using the phrase, ensure that the context justifies its strong emphasis, and consider alternatives like "must not fail" or "failure is not an option" to maintain variety in your writing. As highlighted, avoid overusing "cannot afford to fail" in low-stakes situations to preserve its impact and credibility. This phrase is particularly useful when the stakes are high and the risk of failure carries significant implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

must not fail

Emphasizes the obligation to succeed; slightly stronger in tone.

failure is not an option

Highlights the impossibility of failure; more emphatic.

cannot risk failure

Focuses on the potential risks associated with failing.

dare not fail

Adds a sense of challenge or defiance against the possibility of failure.

must succeed at all costs

Highlights that success is necessary despite of costs; more emphatic.

have to succeed

Expresses a strong need to achieve success; less formal.

it is imperative to succeed

Highlights that succeeding is absolutely necessary or crucial.

we're relying on success

Emphasizes the reliance on a positive outcome.

success is paramount

States that success is of utmost importance; more formal.

there's no room for error

Implies that any mistake will lead to failure; stricter.

FAQs

How can I use "cannot afford to fail" in a sentence?

You can use "cannot afford to fail" to emphasize the importance of succeeding in a critical situation. For example, "The company "cannot afford to fail" this audit, or it risks losing its certification."

What is the meaning of "cannot afford to fail"?

The phrase "cannot afford to fail" means that the consequences of failure are too severe to be acceptable. It indicates a situation where success is absolutely necessary.

What can I say instead of "cannot afford to fail"?

You can use alternatives like "must not fail", "failure is not an option", or "cannot risk failure", depending on the context.

Is "cannot afford to fail" formal or informal?

"Cannot afford to fail" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is most impactful when used in situations with significant consequences.