communication has failed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "communication has failed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a message or exchange of information did not occur successfully or was not understood. Example: "After reviewing the project updates, it became clear that communication has failed between the teams, leading to confusion about the deadlines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Often, the primates resorted to mime after other methods of communication had failed.

BBC

Indeed, the more spatially and organisationally dispersed setting of primary care has meant that as the division of labour has become more pronounced, with different groups responsible for different aspects of the same patient's care, opportunities for interprofessional, interdisciplinary and interorganisational communication have failed to keep up.

BMJ Open

"Communism has failed.

The New York Times

Part of the module's ground-to-station communication system has failed and needs to be replaced.

The New York Times - Science

Indeed, for all his communication skills, the president has failed to create an attainable vision of a stronger, wealthier America with better jobs, more wealth and improved infrastructure.

Forbes

Among the courses he has failed are Family Communication and Yoga.

The New York Times

But so far, the police and firefighters still do not have a shared radio frequency, relying on commanders for communication and coordination -- a system that has failed before.

The New York Times

Similarly LinkedIn, which has repeatedly stumbled to adapt its communication norms to Japan's highly honorific business culture, has failed to attract mass usership.

The Guardian

What can be safely said is that the International Golf Federation has failed either in planning or in communication with regard to such a plethora of call-offs.

The Guardian - Sport

But artificial-intelligence research has failed to re-create many aspects of human intellect, including language and communication.

MIT Technology Review

Communication is a taken-for-granted human activity that is recognized as important once it has failed.

The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "communication has failed", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific communication process failed and the resulting consequences. For instance, clarify whether it was internal team communication, external communication with clients, or communication through a specific medium.

Common error

Avoid using "communication has failed" without specifying the context or type of communication. Overgeneralization can lead to confusion and a lack of clarity regarding the actual problem. Instead, be specific about what aspect of communication failed (e.g., "internal team communication has failed" or "public outreach communication has failed").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "communication has failed" functions as a statement indicating that an attempt to convey information or ideas was not successful. It often serves as an assessment of a situation, highlighting a problem or breakdown in a process.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "communication has failed" is a statement that means the exchange of information or ideas has been unsuccessful. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It's crucial to specify the context or type of communication failure to avoid overgeneralization, thus enhancing clarity. Alternative phrases, such as "communication broke down" or "communication was unsuccessful", can provide nuance, but they all convey the same basic idea. Recognizing the signs of communication failure and implementing preventative strategies are essential for effective interactions in various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

communication broke down

This alternative suggests a gradual degradation or interruption of communication, rather than a complete failure.

communication was unsuccessful

This phrase is a more neutral and formal way of saying that communication did not achieve its intended purpose.

there was a communication breakdown

This alternative emphasizes the existence of a failure in the process, often implying a systemic issue.

there was a failure to communicate

This is a more formal and general way of indicating that communication efforts were not successful.

lines of communication were severed

This suggests a more forceful or abrupt end to communication, often due to external factors.

communication channels collapsed

This implies a structural failure, where the systems or methods of communication have ceased to function.

dialogue ceased

This refers specifically to conversations or exchanges, suggesting that they have come to an end.

miscommunication occurred

This indicates that the message was not properly conveyed or understood, leading to errors or misunderstandings.

contact was lost

This phrase suggests that a connection, whether physical or virtual, could not be maintained.

message not received

This is a straightforward way of saying that a message did not reach its intended recipient.

FAQs

What does it mean when "communication has failed"?

When "communication has failed", it means that the exchange of information or ideas has been unsuccessful, leading to a breakdown in understanding or action. This can occur in various settings, such as personal relationships, professional environments, or even technical systems.

How can I prevent "communication has failed" in my team?

To prevent "communication has failed", establish clear channels and protocols for communication. Encourage active listening, provide regular feedback, and use appropriate tools to facilitate effective information sharing. Regularly assess communication effectiveness and address any issues promptly.

What are some signs that "communication has failed"?

Signs that "communication has failed" include misunderstandings, missed deadlines, conflicts, lack of engagement, and a general sense of confusion or inefficiency. If these signs are present, it may indicate a need to re-evaluate and improve communication strategies.

What can I say instead of "communication has failed" to sound more professional?

You can use alternatives such as "communication broke down", "communication was unsuccessful", or "there was a communication breakdown" depending on the context. These phrases provide a more neutral and professional tone while conveying the same meaning.