cascading failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cascading failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts such as technology, systems, or processes to describe a situation where one failure leads to a series of subsequent failures. Example: "The server experienced a cascading failure, causing multiple services to go offline simultaneously."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the initial stage of a cascading failure, also called pre-cascading stage, dispatchers have enough time to take measures and prevent failures extending.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

As some lines failed, power rushed to other routes, overloading those lines in a cascading failure.

The New York Times - Tech

The more interdependent these sectors are, the more susceptible we become to cascading failure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After the original transmission-line failure, power flowed over parallel paths and overloaded some of them, causing a cascading failure.

The New York Times - Science

Rather than tackle that question head-on, most commentators have reached for the usual metaphors: it was a chain reaction, a cascading failure, a domino effect.

The New York Times

This occasionally leads to a cascading failure -- a series of lines becomes overburdened and malfunctions in a short period of time.

The New York Times

Fig. 1 Flowchart of cascading failure framework.

Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems

These relationships obtained are beneficial to cascading failure predictions.

Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems

In this paper, an enhanced cascading failure model is proposed.

Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems

In this paper, a power system cascading failure power flow analysis model based on CNT is established to study the influence of WPB on power system cascading failure.

Journal of Modern Power Systems and Clean Energy

In order to simulate the specific processes of cascading failure, a basic model of cascading failure [13 18] is introduced in this paper.

Protection and Control of Modern Power Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cascading failure" when discussing how an initial fault leads to a series of consequential breakdowns.

Common error

Avoid using "cascading failure" to describe simple, isolated incidents. The term implies a series of interconnected failures, not just a single event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cascading failure" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI validates its common use in describing interconnected system breakdowns, consistent with the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "cascading failure" accurately describes a series of interconnected failures stemming from an initial fault. As Ludwig AI confirms, this noun phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly within scientific and news contexts. Alternatives such as "domino effect" or "systemic collapse" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Remember, the term implies a sequence of failures, so avoid using it for isolated incidents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

domino effect

This alternative describes a sequence of events where one triggers the next, similar to a chain reaction.

chain reaction

Implies a series of events where each event directly causes the following one, akin to a cascading effect.

systemic collapse

Focuses on the breakdown of an entire system due to interconnected failures.

sequential failure

Highlights the order in which failures occur, emphasizing the step-by-step nature of the breakdown.

spreading malfunction

Emphasizes the way a malfunction propagates through a system.

progressive breakdown

Describes a failure that worsens over time, affecting more and more components.

failure propagation

Highlights the way a failure transfers from one part of a system to others.

ripple effect of failure

This alternative emphasizes how a failure spreads outward, causing effects beyond the initial point of failure.

snowball effect of failure

Analogous to a snowball rolling down a hill, growing larger with each revolution.

interconnected failure

Focuses on the interdependence of components within a system and how one failure can impact others.

FAQs

How to use "cascading failure" in a sentence?

"Cascading failure" describes a process where one failure triggers a series of subsequent failures, often in complex systems. For example: "The power grid experienced a "cascading failure", leading to widespread blackouts."

What can I say instead of "cascading failure"?

You can use alternatives like "domino effect", "chain reaction", or "systemic collapse" depending on the context.

What causes a "cascading failure"?

A "cascading failure" typically arises from an initial fault that overloads other components or systems, leading to a chain of subsequent failures. This can occur due to design flaws, unforeseen interactions, or external events.

What's the difference between "cascading failure" and "isolated failure"?

An "isolated failure" is a single, contained incident, whereas a "cascading failure" involves a series of interconnected failures stemming from an initial event. The key difference is the propagation of the problem throughout the system.