communication failure

USAGE SUMMARY

"communication failure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a problem that results from a lack of communication. For example, "The project was delayed due to a communication failure between the two teams."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

These communicative failures consisted of: failure to listen to the caller (n=12), communication failure (n=11) and telenurses asking the caller too few questions (n=10).

BMJ Open

Failure of communication, failure of honesty, finally failure of love.

The Guardian - Books

I imagined he was waiting to see exactly how far down this communication failure was headed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Experts say a big part of the problem with Baycol was a communication failure.

The New York Times - Science

Communication failure is a common contributor to adverse events.

Journal of Surgical Research

Scholars like Srinivas Melkote have submitted reasons for communication failure in this regard.

Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences

Experts say the story of Baycol shows the kind of communication failure that has occurred before and may well occur again with other drugs.

The New York Times - Science

Such theories range from claims that it was accidentally shot down by the U.S. government, who then covered their tracks, to simple engine and communication failure.

Britannica

Emphasis of the reported work is on control mode change subsequent to (1) grid-connected to islanded condition and (2) control communication failure.

Electric Power Systems Research

"The main cause of most of these incidents appears to be a temporary lapse of situational awareness, poor or lack of communication, failure to follow proper procedures, or human error".

The New Yorker

[C7.] Baycol Shows Communication Lapse Experts say the story of Baycol, the cholesterol-lowering drug that Bayer withdrew after it was linked to 31 deaths, shows the communication failure that has occurred before and may occur again with other drugs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing project management, use "communication failure" to highlight specific instances where a lack of communication led to negative consequences. Be sure to specify the parties involved and the resulting impact.

Common error

While "communication failure" is widely understood, avoid overuse in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "misunderstanding" or "didn't get the message" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "communication failure" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a specific instance or state where the exchange of information is disrupted or completely absent. This usage aligns with examples presented in Ludwig, where the phrase denotes problems, errors, or breakdowns in conveying messages effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "communication failure" is a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase that refers to the breakdown or absence of effective communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for formal and professional contexts, and it is frequently used to analyze the causes and consequences of failures in information exchange. The phrase is most often found in scientific and news media, highlighting its relevance in analyzing complex systems and reporting on adverse events. To enhance clarity and avoid overuse, consider using synonyms such as "breakdown in communication" or "lack of communication" depending on the specific context. The phrase can be deemed correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breakdown in communication

Emphasizes the process of communication falling apart or ceasing to function effectively.

communication breakdown

Synonymous with "communication failure", emphasizing a complete stop or severe disruption in the flow of information.

failure to communicate

Similar meaning with "communication failure", but places emphasis on the act of not communicating.

lack of communication

Highlights the absence of communication as the primary issue.

miscommunication

Focuses on the incorrect or misunderstood exchange of information.

ineffective communication

Highlights that communication occurred, but was not successful in conveying the intended message.

poor communication

Indicates the low quality or inadequacy of communication efforts.

lapse in communication

Suggests a temporary or intermittent failure in the communication process.

information gap

Focuses on the missing information as a result of communication problems.

messaging error

Highlights a specific error in the transmission or reception of a message.

FAQs

What are the primary causes of a "communication failure"?

Common causes include unclear messaging, lack of active listening, inadequate channels for information sharing, and differing communication styles. Addressing these issues can significantly reduce instances of "communication failure".

How does "communication failure" impact team performance?

It can lead to misunderstandings, errors, delays, and reduced productivity. Effective communication strategies and tools are essential for mitigating the negative effects of "communication failure" and fostering a collaborative environment.

What are some strategies to prevent "communication failure" in the workplace?

Implementing clear communication protocols, encouraging open dialogue, providing regular feedback, and utilizing collaboration tools can help prevent "communication failure" and improve overall team communication.

What's the difference between "communication failure" and "miscommunication"?

"Communication failure" implies a complete breakdown or absence of communication, whereas "miscommunication" suggests that communication occurred but was misunderstood or misinterpreted. "Communication failure" can lead to miscommunication, but miscommunication can also arise even when communication channels are open.