communications failure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "communications failure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where there is a breakdown or lack of effective communication, often in technical or organizational contexts. Example: "The project was delayed due to a communications failure between the development team and the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

I'd argue that this has amounted to a communications failure of the first year.

The New Yorker

Pat D'Amuro, less blunt, acknowledged that the report did mention this particular communications failure, but in passing.

Independent

At issue is whether a communications failure prevented the centers from taking more aggressive steps to protect postal workers.

The New York Times

They said there seemed to be no single fault or sequence of faults readily explaining the communications failure.

The New York Times

This communications failure is the most telling theme of "After the Music Stopped, Alan S. Blinderr's terrific book on the crisis of 2008.

The New York Times - Books

Yet Blinder does find Washington guilty of one grievous blunder, so big that it almost explains the public's unhappiness more plausibly than a presidential communications failure.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Liani Reyna and John Birkinbine were reprimanded for communications failures.

The New York Times

An investigation by the Ohio attorney general blamed police leadership and communications failures during the chase.

The Guardian

The Sept. 11 museum will include the communications failures, Ms. Ramirez said, but they will not dominate the story of how police and firefighters responded.

The New York Times - Arts

David Lochbaum, a nuclear engineer at the Union of Concerned Scientists, has studied nuclear plants where problems have gone uncorrected because of internal communications failures and poor oversight.

The New York Times

The idea that all of Trump's problems are communications failures that can be easily fixed, or the result of the West Wing's warring factions, is absurd.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "communications failure" to denote instances where the breakdown involves systemic or technological aspects, as opposed to individual misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "communications failure" as a catch-all explanation without providing specific details about what went wrong. Always specify which channels or processes failed and the impact of this failure. Otherwise, your analysis will lack substance and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "communications failure" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific instance or type of breakdown in the process of communication. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is used correctly and is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "communications failure" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a breakdown in communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for use in various contexts. While alternatives like "communication breakdown" or "miscommunication" exist, the original phrase is widely understood. It's crucial to provide specific details about the nature and impact of the failure when using this term. It commonly appears in News & Media and Science contexts, making it suitable for both professional and general discussions. Remember to avoid vagueness and always clarify the specifics of the "communications failure" in question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

communication breakdown

Replaces "failure" with "breakdown", emphasizing a sudden stop in communication.

failure to communicate

Expresses the lack of successful communication as an action.

breakdown in communication

Inverts the structure, focusing on the "breakdown" aspect.

lapse in communication

Substitutes "failure" with "lapse", suggesting a temporary interruption.

communication glitch

Replaces "failure" with "glitch", indicating a minor or temporary issue.

communication error

Replaces "failure" with "error", highlighting a mistake in the communication process.

miscommunication

Implies incorrect or unclear communication, leading to misunderstandings.

disrupted communication

Emphasizes the interruption or disturbance of the communication process.

ineffective communication

Focuses on the lack of effectiveness in the communication, rather than a complete failure.

lack of communication

Highlights the absence or insufficiency of communication.

FAQs

What does "communications failure" mean?

A "communications failure" refers to a breakdown or interruption in the process of conveying information effectively. This can occur due to technical issues, human error, or systemic problems.

What can I say instead of "communications failure"?

You can use alternatives like "communication breakdown", "failure to communicate", or "miscommunication" depending on the context.

How is "communications failure" different from "miscommunication"?

"Communications failure" generally implies a complete breakdown in conveying information, while "miscommunication" suggests that the information was conveyed incorrectly or misunderstood.

What are some common causes of a "communications failure"?

Common causes include technical malfunctions, lack of clear protocols, human error, and inadequate training. These issues can lead to a breakdown in the transmission or reception of critical information.