close to failing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "close to failing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something is nearly unsuccessful or on the verge of not meeting expectations. Example: "The project is close to failing due to lack of resources and support from the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Right now, it is frighteningly close to failing.

The New York Times

Deterrence has come close to failing, most notably during the Cuban missile crisis.

The New York Times

The bank, close to failing, was allowing withdrawals of only $35 a day.

The New York Times

In its 83-year history, Chrysler has come close to failing before.

The New York Times

It's about giant, New York-based institutions failing or coming close to failing.

The New York Times

Having come so close to failing, Morgan is going all out to win back clients who fled.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But of the big four - HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland and Barclays are the others - Lloyds came closest to failing.

BBC

As Proposition 60 came closer to failing on election day, many of the industry's most famous porn stars celebrated its defeat on social media.

Huffington Post

The high emotion of that day reflected the reality of how close reform came to failing.

Huffington Post

The closest he came to failing to get a strikeout was when a batter popped a foul ball just outside the first-base line.

The New York Times - Sports

One could conceptualize the "shift" from asking who the culprit is to who is closest, as similar to failing to detect the target in a basic recognition task.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close to failing", ensure the context clearly indicates what is at risk of failing. Specificity enhances the impact of the phrase.

Common error

While "close to failing" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and nuanced language to convey the severity of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to failing" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating a state of being near failure. Examples provided by Ludwig show it describing institutions, projects, and even personal academic performance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "close to failing" is a common way to describe something nearing failure, often prompting concern or action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's advisable to consider more formal alternatives in academic writing. Using "close to failing" effectively involves ensuring clarity about what is at risk and adjusting the tone to suit the audience. Remember to use specific language and be mindful of audience register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the verge of failure

Emphasizes the imminence of failure.

nearing collapse

Suggests a structural or systemic breakdown is imminent.

on the brink of collapse

Similar to 'nearing collapse', but with a slightly more dramatic tone.

approaching failure

Indicates that failure is becoming more likely.

about to crash

Implies a sudden and dramatic failure.

in danger of collapse

Highlights the potential for failure.

on its last legs

Suggests something is in a very weakened state and near the end of its functionality.

nearly defunct

Suggests a state of inactivity close to non-existence.

faltering badly

Emphasizes the instability and weakness leading to potential failure.

on the skids

Implies a decline towards failure, often used in a business context.

FAQs

How can I use "close to failing" in a sentence?

You can use "close to failing" to describe situations nearing collapse or failure. For example: "The company was "close to failing" due to poor management".

What are some alternatives to saying "close to failing"?

Alternatives include phrases like "on the verge of failure", "nearing collapse", or "on the brink of collapse", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "close to failing" in formal writing?

While understandable, consider more formal alternatives like "approaching failure" or "in danger of collapse" for academic or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "close to failing" and "failing"?

"Close to failing" indicates a situation that hasn't yet failed but is likely to, while "failing" describes something actively not succeeding. "Close to failing" suggests a potential for intervention to prevent complete failure.